Barry Diller backs Andrew Cuomos bid for NYC mayor out of gratitude for supporting real estate project: report
Media mogul Barry Diller has thrown his support behind former New York Gov.Andrew Cuomo’s bid for New York City mayor — citing “gratitude” for the disgraced politician’s past support of the billionaire’s Hudson River real estate development.Diller, a longtime Democratic donor, made his position clear during an off-the-record meeting with staff at IAC, the digital media company he chairs.
His remarks were captured in a recording obtained by Semafor.“I owe him gratitude for that, so I am supporting him,” Diller said, referring to Cuomo’s assistance in the creation of Little Island, a public park in Manhattan that Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, helped fund.The high-profile project transformed an old pier into a striking green space on the Hudson River, and Cuomo played a role in cutting through bureaucratic obstacles to make it happen.“New York City is in crisis — a crisis of public safety, affordability, and leadership — and we appreciate Mr.Diller’s support and confidence as Governor Cuomo fights to save our city for future generations,” a spokesperson for Cuomo told The Post.Diller went further in his endorsement, stating, “I think he’d be a very good mayor of New York.
I don’t think [current mayor Eric] Adams will or should survive politically.”Diller also revealed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the Democratic Party, slamming Dems over their “pathetic and unfortunate” reaction to President Trump’s address to Congress last week.Over the years, Diller has been an active political donor, primarily supporting Democratic candidates.During Trump’s recent address to Congress, Democratic lawmakers expressed their dissent through various actions, including displaying protest signs, walking out and heckling — with Rep.Al Green (D-Texas) being escorted out after interrupting the speech.“The Democratic Party is in complete disarray, there’s no leadership,” Diller said.
He added...