NYC Mayor Bloomberg Defends Jay-Z and Beyoncé Treatment at Lenox Hill Hospital

As Jay-Z and Beyoncé welcome the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, many controversial claims have surfaced regarding the celebrity couple receiving special treatment from Lenox Hill Hospital. But amidst public outrage, both the Carters and Lenox Hill have found themselves a surprise supporter: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

According to Perez Hilton, the Mayor’s stance on the issue represents his background as an entrepreneur, stating, "Let's step back a little bit here. If [the hospital] got paid a lot of money and it lets them provide services to other people who don't have insurance or can't afford it, I'm not so sure it's a bad thing. Full-paying patients are very valuable to hospitals in this day and age.”

Bloomberg also reiterated the importance of  "an enormous revenue source," especially during an era where budgets continue to tighten.

Lenox Hill Hospital's executive director Frank Danza spoke out Wednesday (January 12) to clear the rumors, clarifying that contrary to the chatter in the media, no complaints were received from patients. According to Danza, “No security plan that we or the Carters' security team put in place would have prevented or delayed families from gaining access.

Though the hospital continues to deny rumors that special privileges were given, it is reported that Mr. and Mrs. Carter paid approximately $1.3 million for an entire wing to be sanctioned off just for them, a claim Danza also denies, adding that B was admitted into a freshly renovated executive maternity suite that cost up to $800 a night. The room came equipped with four flat-screen TVs and a kitchenette, among other top-notch amenities. TMZ got a hold of photos today (January 12) [see below]:

According to several accounts, security of the mogul duo denied access to fellow parents attempting to visit their newborn infants in the neonatal unit. —Christian Bonoan