The media was tricked by woman posing as a spokesperson for New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg, the New York Post reported.
The woman identified herself as Mary DeBlase and reportedly claimed to “at least one” reporter that she is Bloomberg’s press secretary. The NY Observer reported the DeBlase “was quoted by several outlets.”
However, according to the Post, “a real Bloomberg spokeswoman,” Julie Wood denied DeBlase is employed by Bloomberg.
New York City public radio station WNYC suggested that De Blase is member of pranking group the Yes Men. However, the New York Observer reported that DeBlase is really an activist named Mary Notari. Notari reportedly lost her freelance job because of her “performance” outside Bloomberg’s house.