New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's greeting to female lawmakers in Albany is being called out this week.
As the mayor made his way to greet the different lawmakers, men got a handshake and maybe a quick pat on the back and women received kisses on the cheeks.
Workplace expert Steven Viscusi says the mayor's behavior was unacceptable and “absolutely horrible.”
“It’s absolutely inappropriate in any business environment today — with the new #MeToo movement — but even before that, that women should be hugged in an intimate way.
Why should a woman have to be pushed close to you and rubbed up against?”
CBS news did a poll on the street asking New Yorkers their thoughts and many felt the mayor was in the wrong.
When asked if it was appropriate for an executive to kiss a woman hello, Hilda Greenfield of the Upper West Side said no.
“I don’t know, it’s just too intimate,” she said.
“I don’t think that would be appropriate, and I’ve worked for many organizations where that wouldn’t be tolerated,” said Darryl Roberts of the Upper West Side.
“No, definitely not,” said Erica Blum.
“Here in the states, a handshake would probably be the better course of action,” said Olivia Broome of Washington Heights.
“If it’s his wife,” said Peter Roth. “In a business situation, usually you don’t behave that way.”