Cuomo Jokes That Jews Are Bad Dancers At Harlem Church Appearance

HARLEM, NY — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is in hot water for an awkward joke he made about Jewish people while speaking at Harlem's Mt. Neboh Baptist Church for Palm Sunday.

Cuomo's jab occurred after an attempt at some self-deprecating humor about his own dancing skills.

"I am a Catholic. Catholics basically believe the same teachings that Baptists believe. We just do it without the rhythm. But we try. We are not as without rhythm as some of our Jewish brothers and sisters," Cuomo said Sunday.

The governor then doubled-down by singling out former campaign adviser Hank Sheinkopf, who was sitting in the front row.

"I was watching Mr. Scheinkopf here in the front row moving to the music. It was ugly. I'll tell you the truth," Cuomo said.

The attempted jokes occurred at the beginning of a speech in which Cuomo shared personal stories about his father as well as touching on various political points such as public housing, education, the plan to close Rikers Island and infrastructure. During the speech, Cuomo announced plans to commit $550 million to improve public housing.

Cuomo's speech was highly critical of Mayor Bill de Blasio's handling of the New York City Housing Authority and the mayor's 10-year plan to close Rikers Island.

"What is the common denominator between NYCHAhousing and low unemployment and bail and Rikers island? There's one line that connects all of them. It's all about poor minorities," Cuomo said.

The governor is currently campaigning for re-election against Democratic challenger Cynthia Nixon. Nixon, an actress and activist, announced her plan to run for governor last week in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Nixon has been an outspoken critic on Cuomo's handling of the New York City subway system and the state's education system.

Photo courtesy New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office