SNL’s Sarah Sherman has come under fire for appearing to mock critics of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani while simultaneously campaigning for him. Social media users, including an account known as ‘The Persian Jewess,’ highlighted the apparent contradiction in Sherman’s actions, as she both campaigned for Mamdani and mocked his detractors in the sketch. The post included a clip from Sherman’s ‘Weekend Update’ skit, where she portrayed a loudmouthed woman named ‘Rhonda LaCenzo’ expressing extreme fears about Mamdani, while also showing her real-time campaigning for him. The account raised concerns over the use of NBC’s platform to promote Mamdani and mock his critics, citing the Federal Communications Commission’s Equal Time Rule. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of comedians in political discourse and media responsibility in political campaigns.
On the ‘Weekend Update’ segment, Sherman’s character made exaggerated claims about Mamdani, calling him a ‘hipster jihadist’ and suggesting he was an ‘ISIS-trained millennial nepo baby from Uganda.’ She also admitted to being Islamophobic and confessed to having sexual fantasies about the Democratic candidate. Despite the controversial portrayal, Sherman continued to actively campaign for Mamdani, urging voters to support him in the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary. The account ‘The Persian Jewess’ noted the irony of Sherman’s dual role, questioning whether her actions violated the Equal Time Rule, which mandates that broadcasters provide equal opportunities to political candidates.
Mamdani, who has gained significant support in the Democratic primary, has been a target of various criticisms. His recent plans to eliminate the NYC gifted program for kindergartners sparked backlash, with some calling his proposals ‘destructive.’ However, he has remained a polling favorite for the general election, with current Mayor Eric Adams having withdrawn from the race and former Governor Andrew Cuomo still in the competition. Sherman’s continued support for Mamdani has added another layer to the political narrative, drawing attention to the complex dynamics of public figures’ roles in shaping political discourse.
The controversy has raised questions about the boundaries of satire in politics and the ethical responsibilities of media outlets in representing political candidates. NBC’s silence on the matter has left the debate open, with critics urging transparency and accountability in how political messages are disseminated through entertainment platforms. As the mayoral race progresses, the interplay between comedy, politics, and media will undoubtedly remain a focal point of public discourse.