Columnist Cindy Adams has shared personal recollections of her interactions with the late lawyer Roy Cohn, a figure recently highlighted in new magazine features. Adams, who knew both Cohn and Donald Trump, described Cohn's approach to life and his influence on Trump in a recent New York Post opinion piece.
Adams recounted how Cohn became close with her husband, Joey Adams, then president of the American Guild of Variety Artists. This connection led to Cohn attending and hosting events, including birthday parties. Adams described Cohn's disregard for material possessions, recalling an instance where he left valuable books on his floor, seemingly unconcerned about their condition. She also noted his tendency to avoid paying bills, recounting a time when she had to repossess furniture he had selected from an antique dealer.
One anecdote describes Cohn's uninvited appearance at a birthday party planned by Adams and her husband in Hong Kong, where he subsequently altered the plans. Adams also detailed Cohn's consistent belief that Donald Trump could become president, a prediction that came to fruition.
Following Trump's election, Adams was with him in his Trump Tower office when he remarked, "You remember what Roy said?" Later, during a period of significant trouble for Trump, he reportedly told Adams, "I wish Roy were here now."
Adams's relationship with Cohn shifted in 1981 when she joined the New York Post. She stated that Cohn initially showed little interest in her until he perceived a potential utility. She mentioned an instance where Cohn, acting as Estée Lauder's lawyer, intervened in her attempt to write a biography on Lauder, preventing her from completing it.
Adams also touched on the quiet work of Cohn's lawyer, Tom Bolan, and the role of a phone operator named Christine in monitoring Cohn's calls. She recalled being present after Cohn's facelift and witnessing an inappropriate engagement with a friend soon after. Adams concluded by noting Cohn's consistent preference for a tuna fish sandwich for lunch.