A former adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Winnie Greco, gave a reporter a bag of potato chips containing cash, which she later claimed was a birthday gift, sparking allegations of a potential bribe and leading to her suspension from the mayor’s campaign. This incident has raised ethical concerns and prompted investigations into the motives behind the unusual gesture.
Who: The key figures involved are Winnie Greco, a former director of Asian community affairs for Mayor Eric Adams, and Katie Honan, a reporter for THE CITY. Greco resigned from her City Hall position in October 2024 amid multiple investigations but was volunteering for Adams’ re-election campaign at the time of the incident.
What: Greco handed Honan an open bag of Herr’s Sour Cream & Onion ripple potato chips during a campaign event, which contained a red envelope with $300 in cash. Honan, upon discovering the money, declined to accept it and reported the incident to her publication and authorities.
When: The event occurred on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during a campaign event for Mayor Adams’ re-election bid. The story broke publicly on August 22, 2025, with articles published in outlets like the New York Post and MediaPost.
Where: The incident took place at a campaign event in New York City, specifically related to Mayor Eric Adams’ re-election efforts. The exact location wasn’t specified in initial reports, but it likely occurred in a public or semi-public setting typical for political events.
Why: Greco claimed the cash was intended as a birthday gift, citing Chinese cultural traditions where monetary gifts are common for celebrations. However, the timing and context—given to a journalist covering political affairs—led to suspicions of it being an attempted bribe or payoff to influence reporting.
How: Greco approached Honan and offered the chip bag, which was already open. Honan initially thought it was a snack but found the envelope inside. Greco’s attorney, Steven Brill, stated it was a kind gesture without nefarious intent, but the act was widely perceived as inappropriate and potentially unethical.
Impact: The incident has resulted in Greco’s suspension from her volunteer role with Adams’ campaign, as announced by campaign spokesman Todd Shapiro. It has also drawn media scrutiny and could affect public perception of the mayor’s administration, already under various investigations. THE CITY reported the matter to the New York City Department of Investigation for potential review.
What’s Next: Investigations by authorities may follow to determine if any laws or ethical guidelines were violated. The fallout could influence Adams’ re-election campaign and highlight issues of transparency and corruption in local politics. Greco’s legal team may continue to defend her actions, while the media and public await further developments.