Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama have drawn criticism for liking an Instagram video in which New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal." Mamdani's video also urged federal authorities to arrest Netanyahu if he enters New York City.
Mamdani, in the video, accused Netanyahu of committing genocide against Palestinians and stated that the federal government should execute the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant if the Israeli leader visits New York City. The remarks did not mention Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel.
Mamdani stated, "Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." He further claimed Netanyahu was responsible for civilian deaths and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, citing figures for casualties and child amputations without anesthesia. Mamdani also accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid, targeting aid workers and journalists, and deliberately targeting Palestinian children while being funded by American taxpayers. He added that "Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large."
Irving's past engagement with controversial content includes a 2022 suspension from the Brooklyn Nets for promoting an antisemitic film. He later apologized and met with Jewish community representatives to address the controversy.
Representatives for both Irving and Wembanyama did not respond to requests for comment before publication. Jewish advocacy groups have argued that Mamdani's statements contribute to rising antisemitism by singling out Israel.