Comedian Michael Rapaport has launched a social media attack on New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of hypocrisy for dining at an exclusive sushi restaurant while claiming to be a ‘working class’ politician. In a Tuesday X post, Rapaport mocked Mamdani’s extravagant dining habits, highlighting the perceived contradiction between his lavish lifestyle and his advocacy for affordable housing and social welfare policies.
Mamdani, the 34-year-old state assembly member from Queens, has been a prominent figure in the New York City political scene, known for his progressive agenda which includes freezing rent prices, providing free public transit, establishing government-run grocery stores, and expanding free universal childcare for children aged six weeks to five years. However, Rapaport’s recent criticism has brought renewed attention to Mamdani’s financial situation, particularly his residence in a rent-stabilized apartment in Queens, which has sparked debates about the sincerity of his working-class credentials.
Additionally, Rapaport’s post has drawn comparisons to other criticisms of Mamdani, including an ethics complaint that has been raised regarding his use of rent-stabilized housing. The comedian also reposted a post from the ‘Stop Antisemitism’ account, which accused Mamdani of being a ‘parasitic socialist’ who prioritizes his own financial gain over the public good. These attacks have contributed to a growing controversy around Mamdani’s campaign and the feasibility of his proposed policies, with critics arguing that the financial realities of his lifestyle contradict his public stance.
As the mayoral race heats up, the incident highlights the challenges that political figures face in balancing their public image with their personal financial choices. With Fox News Digital reaching out to Mamdani’s campaign for comment, the ongoing scrutiny is likely to continue as the election approaches, with public opinion shaping the narrative around this prominent candidate’s candidacy.