Debra Messing has recently been the subject of significant criticism from social media users following Zohran Mamdani’s groundbreaking win in the New York City mayoral race. Her comments about the city’s first Muslim mayor have sparked controversy.
In the days surrounding the election, the Will & Grace actress filled her Instagram Stories with content criticizing Mamdani. On election day alone, more than 40 videos were shared, many of them directed at New York voters who chose the 34-year-old candidate over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This election saw the highest voter turnout since 1969.
Among the posts Messing shared, one described the incoming democratic socialist mayor as “an actual communist jihadist… A literal Karl Marx-quoting, America-hating jihadist.” Another post made a reference to the 9/11 attacks, calling Mamdani “Osama Bin Mamdani.”
Her followers did not hesitate to express their disapproval. One commented, “Your soul has gone sour and it’s embarrassing to watch.”
Other social media users were also critical of Messing’s actions. One user on X stated, “I think Zohran has actually broken her brain,” adding that her judgment seemed questionable before the mayoral election.
Messing’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
In the week leading up to the election, Messing announced her early vote for Cuomo, arguing that the city requires experienced leadership. This stance came despite Cuomo’s past controversies, including a report of creating a “sexually hostile work environment” during his tenure as governor.
Around twelve women accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, leading to his resignation.
A social media user commented, “With all the sexual allegations and the crimes that he’s committed. I’m a native New Yorker. I would never vote for Cuomo. He’s old outdated. We need someone new and fresh.”
Despite Messing’s outspoken views, it became clear by November 5 that many New Yorkers disagreed, with 1,036,000 (50.4 percent) of the voting population choosing Mamdani over Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
In his victory speech, Mamdani addressed the criticisms he faced during the campaign. He stated, “The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.”