The embattled chief of staff to the city's first lady is taking a leave of absence following her son's arrest. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio came to the defense of Rachel Noerdlinger, who says she needs time off from her role as the top aide to his wife, Chirlane McCray. Noerdlinger says she needs time to be with her 17-year-old son. 

De Blasio said that he understands that he and his family are in the public eye, but he doesn't feel that their staff's private lives should face the same scrutiny. 

Noerdlinger came under criticism in recent months after she was accused of leaving off a large amount of money from a 2011 tax disclosure form. Reports also say she failed to disclose during her background check that her live-in boyfriend pleaded guilty to manslaughter 21 years ago. 

It is not yet known when the first lady will choose Noerdlinger's replacement.