“I can see how this looks strange,” [her attorney Steven] Brill said. “But I assure you that Winnie’s intent was purely innocent. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused.”

Ah yes, the ol’ “this is all a cultural misunderstanding…”

"We are shocked by these reports,” [campaign spokesperson Todd] Shapiro said. "[…] Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. He has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards…”

Lol and also lmao