It’s been a messy week for Will & Grace actress Debra Messing, who’s facing heavy criticism after sharing a series of Islamophobic and inflammatory memes about Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City. What started as political support for her preferred candidate spiraled into a controversy that’s now dominating social media.
Messing: From Grace Adler to Political Firestorm
Messing, 56, took to Instagram in the days leading up to Election Day to back Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an Independent. She posted that she voted for Cuomo because New York “needs someone with experience,” adding, “Our city is too massive, complex, and consequential to have someone 33 years old who has never held a job.”
But once the votes were counted and Mamdani claimed victory—earning 50.4% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 41.6%—Messing’s tone shifted from political advocacy to something darker. The actress reposted a slew of content targeting Mamdani’s identity and faith, including memes labeling him “Osama bin Mamdani” and calling on New Yorkers to “vote no to terrorism.”
One particularly inflammatory image described the incoming mayor as “An Actual Communist Jihadist… A literal Karl Marx-quoting, America-hating jihadist.” That post has since been removed, but not before screenshots circulated widely online.
Source: @therealdebramessing (via Instagram Stories)
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
Mamdani’s story stands in sharp contrast to Messing’s posts. The 33-year-old politician is a Democratic Socialist, not a communist—a distinction that matters given the rhetoric being spread. Born in Uganda to Muslim parents, Mamdani immigrated to the United States as a child and became a citizen after college. He’s been open about his progressive values, focusing on housing reform, public transportation, and community development.
RELATED: From Papi Juice to City Hall: Zohran Mamdani’s Bold Vision for LGBTQ+ New York
Far from the “terrorist” caricature being shared online, Mamdani has publicly condemned violence, including Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. He has, however, been outspoken about Palestinian rights and critical of the Israeli government’s policies—stances that appear to have triggered Messing’s posts.
Messing’s Posts and the Trump Connection
Messing, who is Jewish and a longtime advocate for Israel, seemed to take personal issue with Mamdani’s pro-Palestine stance. On Election Day, she went further—resharing posts that identified Mamdani’s volunteers and amplifying a Truth Social post from Donald Trump that labeled Mamdani a “JEW HATER” while scolding Jewish voters for supporting him.
The irony wasn’t lost on many, especially given Messing’s history as an outspoken liberal voice and frequent critic of Trump during his presidency.
Photo Credit: @therealdebramessing (via Instagram Stories)
It’s Pretty Messing: Public Backlash and Online Reactions
The response was swift and severe. One Instagram user called out Messing for posting a “deeply Islamophobic story maligning all Muslims.” Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), users mocked the unfolding chaos:
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“Debra Messing is about to crash the Instagram app worldwide.”
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“Has anyone checked on Debra Messing?”
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“The Debra Messing crash out is gonna be so funny, I can’t wait.”
As memes about her memes flooded social media, critics accused Messing of hypocrisy—condemning hate in one breath while spreading it in another.
A Bigger Conversation About Identity and Misinformation
At its core, this controversy highlights a growing tension between online activism and accountability. While Messing’s support for Cuomo was legitimate political expression, her decision to amplify misinformation and Islamophobic language crossed a line many believe cannot be ignored.
Photo Credit: @therealdebramessing
And while Mamdani has largely stayed above the fray, his win—despite the smear campaign—underscores a broader cultural shift in New York City’s politics: one where diverse identities and progressive platforms are increasingly taking center stage.
Everyone who labels individuals such as Messing as the enemy need to re-think their narrow minded, childish emotional hangups.
She has valid points, most likely you do too, but to get your thrills from attacking those who do not see things exactly as you do, is despicable and you do not merit any more consideration than what you are railing against.
You are the pathetic, wrong ones.
The author fails to state any of the highly problematic statements Mamdani has made, particularly about Jews. He has failed to denounce the phase, “Globalize the intifada” as well. As someone who experienced an intifada, his failure to do so speaks volumes. He fosters division instead of union. Stop with the love fest. He has work to do on himself.
That’s hilarious that she thinks he can’t be governor because he’s young and inexperienced. Trump certainly is not qualified to run a country nor are any of the idiots he has hired. This fact has to be obvious to her or maybe she is off her meds?
EXACTLY SAY IT LOUDER!
if she loves and defends Israel so much she should move there… NYC would be better off without it.
Boy, did Deborah ever make a mistake. I can’t believe it. But on the other hand, should she have remained silent?
She’s nuts! Plus Megan Mullally was the talented one anyway. Two Emmys! None for this has been. Girl bye!
EXACTLY!
Moral integrity and human decency. Apparently “Grace” hasn’t got it.