Comedian Bill Maher accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of being tone deaf after the mayor issued a statement marking the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. On Friday's episode of "Real Time," Maher argued that Mamdani's remarks pivoted away from mourning the victims to criticizing Israel, a move the comedian characterized as a failure to sympathize with the tragedy.
Mamdani's statement described the day as profoundly painful for New Yorkers and acknowledged the city's grief alongside neighbors who carry that loss. However, the mayor went on to condemn what he called the Israeli government's ongoing genocide in Gaza, stating that more than 74,000 Palestinians, including more than 21,000 children, have been killed. Mamdani added that even since the so-called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have died, and he asserted that federal tax dollars fund these actions.
The mayor further stated that three years later, society must refuse a world where occupation and apartheid continue and where war crimes are met with impunity. He concluded by calling for a fight for a world where every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.
Maher dismissed these comments, suggesting the mayor's stance was not sympathetic. He mocked Mamdani's past career as a rapper under the stage names "Young Cardamom" and "Mr. Cardamom," quipping that his rap name should have been "Tone Deaf." The comedian interpreted the mayor's focus on Israel as an attempt to shift blame, stating that Mamdani pivoted to claiming Israel made the victims do it.
Mamdani faced additional scrutiny earlier in the week after dining at Ayat Hinds Hall, a Palestinian restaurant. Critics noted that a sister location drew attention in 2023 over menu language described as antisemitic. The Times of Israel reported that the menu featured the phrase "Down with the occupation" in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. Owner Abdul Elenani previously stated that this language appeared on the menu before the Oct. 7 attack.
Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff offered a contrasting view, suggesting that Maher's criticism could benefit Mamdani politically. Shroff told Fox News Digital that the mayor's statement may have been a calculated move to placate supporters who were critical of his handling of issues like NYPD protection for Benjamin Netanyahu and the retention of Commissioner Teresa Tisch. According to Shroff, a statement that ruffles feathers and earns backlash serves as a way to appear like a fighter on key campaign issues.
Shroff argued that for some of Mamdani's fans, enraging figures like Maher is a sign that he remains consistent with his earlier candidacy. Fox News Digital contacted the Mamdani administration but did not receive a reply.