Debra Messing, an Emmy-winning actress known for her lead role in Will & Grace, is at the center of online uproar after sharing a meme on Instagram that appeared to label New York City mayoral candidate, and now winner, Zohran Mamdani a “jihadist.”
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a “jihadist” is a term “used to refer to a Muslim extremist.”
Newsweek reached out to Messing and Mamdani’s representatives via email for comment on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
The post—which was shared on Election Day—highlights the increasing role celebrities play in shaping political narratives. The resulting backlash came at a pivotal point in New York City’s heated mayoral race, which ultimately saw Mamdani emerge victorious.
What To Know
On Tuesday, Messing, 57, reposted an image from the Instagram account The Persian Jewess on her Instagram Stories. The meme depicted a stylized ballot listing two candidates: “A Democrat. Just a Democrat” and “An actual communist jihadist. A literal Karl Marx-quoting, America-hating jihadist”—the latter appearing to reference Mamdani, 34.
The Persian Jewess added a caption urging New Yorkers to “make the right choice” by voting for former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and called the contest “the battle for Democracy itself.”
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, previously bested Cuomo by 13 points in the Democratic primary, triggering Cuomo’s entry into the race as an Independent.
The campaign saw endorsements and attacks from prominent figures—most notably, President Donald Trump, who publicly backed Cuomo and labeled Mamdani a “communist.”
Messing—a vocal critic of Trump—has long been open about her political stance on social media. On October 25, the actress took to Instagram to share that she voted early for Cuomo.
“We need someone with experience** to bring our city back to what it should be—safe, the thriving financial center of the world, more low cost housing, more police to make our streets and subways safe for everyone,” the Along Came Polly star wrote. “A social worker cannot help someone who is stabbed in the subway.”
Messing continued: “Our city is too massive, complex, and consequential to have someone 33 years old who has never held a job, and missed 80% of his votes as Councilman. Perhaps with more experience. But not now. Use your voice! Vote early! Every vote makes a difference!”
Following his win, Mamdani said in his acceptance speech: “I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life. But let tonight be the final time I utter his name, as we turn the page on a politics that abandons the many and answers only to the few.”
He added: “New York, tonight you have delivered. A mandate for change. A mandate for a new kind of politics. A mandate for a city we can afford. And a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that.”
What People Are Saying
On X, many users criticized Messing’s “jihadist” post.
@randlechris posted a screenshot of Messing’s Instagram Story and added in a note with over 1.4 million views and 5,700 likes: “debra messing has posted 100 instagram stories in the past 24 hours.”
@cee_ryan said in a comment with 158,800 views and 4,500 likes: “Debra Messing has posted 91 Instagram stories in the past 24 hours. Not an exaggeration. I think Zohran has actually broken her brain, although it wasn’t in great shape before this mayoral election anyway. Fascinating albeit kinda scary to watch though.”
@MuuMuse shared in a remark with 83,500 views and 2,800 likes: “The Debra Messing meltdown is in full swing. An embarrassing loser.”
@lorimeganxo wrote in a message with 11,000 views and over 250 likes: “reminder that megan mullally was always the funniest woman on will & grace. debra messing is a psychotic loser x.”
What Happens Next
Mamdani is New York City’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor, as well as the youngest person in over a century to hold the position, per the Associated Press. He will take office on January 1, 2026.
