Bestselling author Stephen King has come to the defense of Zohran Mamdani, who has been facing backlash on social media since his election victory.
Mamdani’s successful bid for New York’s mayoral position, where he defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, has sparked significant discussion.
Despite securing 50.4 percent of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 41.6 percent and Sliwa’s 7 percent, Mamdani, aged 34, has been subjected to substantial criticism.
Some conservative figures have resorted to potentially racist remarks, comparing his election to the events of September 11, 2001, due to his religious background.
Social media has also seen similar comments aimed at Mamdani because he is Muslim.
Stephen King responded to a racially charged comment about Mamdani and his supporters following the election.
This individual shared a post featuring an image of the World Trade Center attacks, attempting to link it to Mamdani and his faith.
The caption accompanying the image questioned: “How the hell does the city that experienced the biggest Islamic terrorist attack in history vote for a Muslim mayor?”
King responded with a simple fact: “Um, he didn’t do it. He was 10 at the time.”
Born in October 1991, Mamdani was only weeks from turning 10 when the September 11 attacks occurred.
King’s followers on Twitter were quick to denounce the prejudiced comments, labeling them as ‘sickening’ and ‘nonsense’.
One user pointed out: “And the Oklahoma City bomber was a supposed devout Christian, and people continue to elect Christian…one statement as stupid as the other.”
Another remarked: “The amount of people who share the images of my cousin and thousands of others getting murdered for scare tactics and political points is sickening. No matter the party, it should never be shared.”
A third user commented: “It’s like saying how can a black person be friends with a white person cause their ancestors were racists, totally makes no sense.”
Another added: “I couldn’t care less that he’s Muslim —and true, he had nothing to do with it! Let’s see what he does as Mayor.”
One user succinctly stated: “People vote on his record and policies, not on bigoted generalizations.”
In his victory speech, Mamdani acknowledged the ongoing racist narratives that had shadowed his campaign.
Addressing his supporters, he declared: “I am Muslim. I am a Democratic Socialist, and most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.
“And yet, if tonight teaches us anything it is that convention has held us back.
“We have bowed at the altar of caution and we have paid a mighty price. Too many working people cannot recognize themselves in our party.
“Too many among us have turned to the right for answers for why they have been left behind.
“We will leave mediocrity in our past, no longer will we have to open a history book for proof that Democrats can dare to be great.”