Children's media personality Ms. Rachel has publicly defended New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him "awesome" and a "kind, gentle soul" as controversy swirls around his potential participation in the upcoming 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial ceremony.
Mamdani has faced significant backlash from some 9/11 victims' families and Republican officials due to past rhetoric and associations with individuals whose views have been described as sympathetic to terrorism or critical of the United States.
Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, posted on Instagram that Mamdani "truly cares about New Yorkers" and that the NYC Pre-K curriculum teaches children to "be kind, respect different religions and cultures, and be proud of who they are." She added, "It’s unacceptable that adults still judge, hate and attack each other because of religion and skin color. We should be setting a better example for our children." She also criticized what she described as "Islamophobia" from some Christians, referencing the parable of the Good Samaritan.
The controversy stems in part from Mamdani's past praise for Brooklyn Imam Siraj Wahhaj, who has been linked to radical Islam and reportedly served as a character witness for the "Blind Sheikh," convicted in relation to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Mamdani also endorsed candidates whose past statements have drawn criticism, including one who described 9/11 within the context of U.S. capitalism, racism, White supremacy, and Islamophobia.
Furthermore, Mamdani's association with activist Hasan Piker, who previously commented that the United States "deserved" the 9/11 attacks, has been scrutinized, though Mamdani has condemned Piker's remarks.
Another point of contention is Mamdani's decision to give a ceremonial pen from a 9/11 remembrance event to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, who pleaded guilty to war crimes related to al-Qaeda plots against commercial ships and was related to a 9/11 hijacker.
An online petition, reportedly signed by over 100,000 people, calls for Mamdani to not attend the memorial, citing his "hostile" record and connections.
Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.