Actor Robert Davi has publicly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing the socialist Democrat of disregarding Italian-American heritage. The criticism stems from a City Hall map of immigrant enclaves that initially omitted historic Little Italy, while including neighborhoods like Little Palestine, Little Egypt, and Little Africa.
Davi, an Italian-American actor whose grandparents emigrated from Sicily and Naples, voiced his strong disapproval in a social media video posted on X. "My grandparents came from Sicily and Naples and they taught me, speak the English. This is America. God bless America," he stated. He recalled his grandfather's service in World War I and his contributions to building New York City as an immigrant.
The actor, born in Astoria, Queens, addressed Mamdani, who was born in Kampala, Uganda. Davi suggested Mamdani should "go back where you belong" and run for office in his place of origin. Davi also criticized Mamdani for reportedly skipping the traditional installation Mass for New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks at St. Patrick's Cathedral in February 2026, calling it a snub to the Catholic Church and Italian Americans.
Following significant backlash from various groups, including the Italian American Civil Rights League, Mamdani's administration announced plans to add Little Italy to the map, according to reports. Davi's remarks on X garnered support from some users, with one commenter agreeing and calling for the removal of "scumbags," while another, identifying as Iranian, labeled Mamdani "dangerous."
The mayor's office has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the incident. Davi, known for his roles in films such as "Die Hard" and "The Goonies," resides in Apollo Beach, Florida.