Will & Grace star Debra Messing is under fire for sharing a series of Islamophobic memes aimed at New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani — the city’s first Muslim and South Asian leader.
Mamdani won the election with 50.4% of the vote, defeating independent candidate Andrew Cuomo in a closely watched race.
On Election Day, Messing took to social media to announce her support for Cuomo, writing, “We need someone with experience. Our city is too massive, complex, and consequential to have someone 33 years old who has never held a job and missed 80% of his votes as Councilman.” She added that Mamdani might be suitable for office “perhaps with more experience — but not now.”
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| Debra Messing |
In the days leading up to Mamdani’s historic victory, Messing reportedly shared and reposted several inflammatory memes labeling him a “jihadist.” One widely circulated image, originally from an account called Persian Jewess, depicted a fake ballot with two options: “A Democrat. Just a Democrat.” and “An actual communist jihadist. A literal Karl Marx-quoting America-hating jihadist.”
The post’s caption read: “This isn’t just a mayoral race. It’s the battle for Democracy itself. New York City, make the right choice. Vote for Cuomo. Vote for Democracy.” Messing allegedly reposted it along with several others that mocked or vilified Mamdani.
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| Debra Messing/ Instagram |
In another post, she urged New Yorkers to “vote no to terrorism” and even referred to the mayor-elect as “Osama Bin Mamdani.” Messing also shared a Truth Social post from former President Donald Trump, who called Mamdani a “JEW HATER.”
Observers believe Messing’s attacks stem from her strong pro-Israel views and Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian rights.
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The reaction online was swift and severe. Many users accused the actress of blatant racism and Islamophobia.
“I truly hope Debra Messing never gets hired for anything ever again. The way she was calling Zohran a jihadist — the day of the election. Just a deeply racist person,” one user wrote.
Another added, “That was some sort of journey she posted on her story. ‘Meltdown’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
Others mocked her posts, suggesting she had become “obsessed” with discrediting Mamdani.
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Despite the attacks, Mamdani has maintained a measured response. He has repeatedly condemned terrorism, including Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks, and emphasized that antisemitism is a real and serious issue in New York City.
During his victory speech, he addressed the criticisms and personal attacks directly:
“The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, I am Muslim, I am a democratic socialist — and most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.”
Mamdani’s win marks a significant milestone for representation in New York politics — and a reminder of the challenges faced by those breaking new ground.
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