Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams was met with hostility and heckling Saturday as he attempted to pitch a proposed AI data center to residents of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. A video of the meeting, first reported by Hell Gate, captured attendees shouting and booing as Adams introduced himself.
Adams was speaking on behalf of PNK Group, an industrial engineering and construction company that aims to build a data center on a 209-acre site along the Wisconsin River. The location was formerly occupied by a paper mill that closed in 2020, resulting in the loss of 900 local jobs. PNK Group has stated the project would create between 50 and 150 permanent jobs, but has not disclosed the future occupants of the facility.
During the meeting, audience members questioned Adams's presence and motives. Some shouted insults referencing his controversial dismissal of a federal corruption case, while others expressed concerns about water usage and accused him of seeking bribes. One attendee shouted, "You belong in prison!"
Adams attempted to address the concerns by sharing a story about how artificial intelligence aided a friend in detecting breast cancer. However, this narrative was met with skepticism from the crowd, with one person questioning its veracity.
Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams, disputed the characterization of the event, stating that the short video clip did not accurately represent the entire meeting. Shapiro asserted that many attendees approached Adams afterward with thanks and questions, and that his work aligns with Adams's "pro-growth, pro-innovation philosophy" from his time as mayor. He also emphasized the growing importance of AI and data centers in the global economy.
Representatives for PNK Group confirmed that Adams is working as a paid consultant for community engagement strategy and best practices, leveraging his experience to foster constructive dialogue with communities where the company is considering future projects.