Andy Cohen has clapped back after a social-media user questioned whether he was qualified to voice some new announcements across New York City’s subway system.
The well-loved king of reality TV, who hosts a plethora of shows across the Bravo network, has been recruited by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to record new public-service messages for the subway, alongside Bronx-born rapper Cardi B, and Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street.
However, not everyone was convinced that Cohen belonged behind the mic.
“Cardi B doing subway announcements makes sense, as she was born and raised in the Bronx. Andy Cohen is from St Louis. Why the f*** is he on the subway announcements,” shared Alex Demopoulos (@alexdemo).
“I been here 35 years and take the subway?” Cohen responded, amassing more than 9,000 likes. Newsweek reached out to representatives for Andy Cohen and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for comments via email outside of their usual working hours.
While Cohen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, he has lived in New York City for decades and is widely considered a fixture of Manhattan’s media and entertainment scene.
Cohen has joined the campaign to inform New Yorkers that the MetroCard—used for topping up and traveling—will be completely phased out by December 31, making way for OMNY, the city’s tap-and-go contactless payment system.
In the video shared on MTA’s Facebook on December 5, the presenter goes through the ticket barriers before heading into a recording studio to lay down his lines.
Some of his subway PSAs include: “Let’s keep it kind on the commute and save the drama from reality TV.”
Cohen also shared his personal do’s and don’ts for subway etiquette while riding inside a carriage.
DOs
Take your backpack off
Make room for others
DON’Ts
Litter
Hog the pole
Cardi B, a Bronx native, also recorded PSAs set to play across subway stations.
“We’re walking here. Steps are for stepping, not sitting. Move it, buko! These trains don’t move without you, so make sure you pay that fare and keep it real. Stop subway surfing, ride safe, keep it cute, and keep moving. Love you guys,” she said.
For many New Yorkers, Cohen is synonymous with Manhattan. His long-running Bravo talk show Watch What Happens Live is filmed at Bravo’s studio near Times Square, and he is also a familiar face on CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve broadcast, which he co-hosts with Anderson Cooper.
This year’s CNN New Year’s Eve coverage will span the globe, featuring live reports and performances from cities including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, London, Paris and New York. The night culminates with CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, promising music, comedy and surprise guests.
On social media, many users rushed to Cohen’s defense.
“I associate Times Square and NYE to Andy. He’s perfect for subway stops,” said Emily Howe.
“I love that Andy replied to this. Love you Andy!!!” added Isabel Marsh.
Others, however, weren’t so convinced.
“While we love you…you’re still not a New Yorker…if you’re going “home” to visit family, you’re a transplant. But it’s ok,” said Chaka.
“That’s right!!!! He is NEW YORK through and through, buddy! NYC [hearts] AC!!!!!” added Rebecca.
“You’re considered a New Yorker after living there 10 years. Everyone knows that!!!!” said Jeannie.
Jade disagreed: “That’s something a transplant made up that no real NYer ever approved.”
