Bill de Blasio slammed for deserted Times Square dance as Covid-ravaged New Yorkers remain in lockdown
MAYOR Bill de Blasio has been slammed for dancing in deserted Times Square on New Year's Eve as Covid-ravaged New Yorkers continue to be locked down.
The New York City mayor slow-danced with his wife Chirlane McCray after the crystal ball dropped at midnight.
The NYC Mayor's Office of the couple's celebration in the early hours of January 1, 2021 – prompting social media backlash.
"Happy #NewYear from the greatest city in the world," the office wrote to .
De Blasio and his wife were both wearing masks as they danced on a stage in Manhattan's major commercial intersection.
"As a city, as a community, we have been through so much this year. We showed our resolve and proved New York City will come back stronger than ever."
His post was also hit with critical commentary, reading, "This is the year we get rid of De Blasio! Countdown until November!" and "You have destroyed this city."
The mayor pushed the Waterford crystal button to prompt the NYE ball-drop and his dance moves – as the rang in the new year under a shadow of Covid.
New York City's Times Square was an unusual sight to see as it was closed to the public leading up to the annual ball drop.
Live performances took place throughout the night to celebrate 2021.
Performances for ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve were done by Jennifer Lopez, Billy Porter, Cyndi Lauper, Jimmie Allen, and Machine Gun Kelly.
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Prior to the ball-drop in NYC, after urging Americans to get vaccinated against Covid.
The awkward moment took place on live TV as the former vice president, 78, and his 69-year-old wife appeared on ABC.