Online backlash grew following NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s remarks acknowledging the city’s historical connection to slavery.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A rumor has been rapidly spreading across social media claiming that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani mandated cash reparations from white residents to the descendants of Black slaves. This allegation quickly sparked widespread online debate and criticism, leading to a closer look at the facts.
The Claim: White New Yorkers Mandated to Pay Slavery Reparations
Viral posts asserted that the mayor endorsed a program requiring white New Yorkers to fund direct financial reparations for the descendants of slaves.
The rumor gained traction following a July interview in which Mamdani emphasized that New York City must confront and acknowledge its historical ties to slavery.
Online commentators interpreted these statements as a direct endorsement of cash payouts.
One widely shared post on X read, “If Mamdani would like me, a white New Yorker who never owned slaves, to pay a black New Yorker who never was a slave, then I propose: Every Muslim in NYC starting with Mamdani should pay us for 9/11. Please explain why the latter makes no sense, but the former does.”
The Reality: Mamdani Has Not Endorsed or Dismissed Cash Reparations
Investigators have found the viral claim to be false. During his video interview with Charles Blow of The Root, Mamdani neither confirmed nor dismissed the concept of cash reparations.
Instead, he stated that he would await the official findings and recommendations from the city’s Commission on Racial Equity before taking a definitive stance.
Earlier, during a 2025 mayoral candidate questionnaire regarding reparations, Mamdani indicated that if elected, he would take into account state-level Reparations Commission proposals and pursue initiatives aimed at addressing historical racial discrimination and the legacy of slavery.
As noted in a report by ‘The New York Times,’ “The mayor said in recent interviews that it was important to acknowledge the city’s role in slavery but that he could not commit to payouts before his racial equity commission completes its report.”
Benjamin Netanyahu Criticizes Mamdani Over Community Tensions
Tensions surrounding the mayor’s office also drew comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently criticized Mamdani publicly, stating, “Look at what he’s doing. He’s fomenting hate.”
“He’s supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers, Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone,” Netanyahu added.
“But he’s trying to turn one group against the other, and he’s foisting hate and fear. I speak to Jewish Americans in New York, and they’re afraid right now.”
Choosing not to engage in a public feud, Mamdani responded briefly, saying, “I’m not interested in getting into a back and forth.”