Mamdani faces social media criticism for Jalen Brunson gesture
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani referenced New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson in his mayoral inaugural address on Thursday and even appeared to make a gesture resembling Brunson’s signature celebration.
This move received mixed reactions on social media.
The reference came about nine minutes into the speech, with Mamdani declaring that “greatness is no longer the exception” and adding that the city “expects greatness” from “our quarterback in Madison Square Garden.” During this statement, the mayor covered his face with his hand as if imitating Brunson’s celebration, but later changed the gesture to wiping his face.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani gives his opening speech in front of City Hall on Thursday, January 1. (Fox News / Pool)
Footage of the moment spread on social media, and some Knicks fans appreciated the reference, but many in the city and across the country criticized Mamdani for his democratic socialist agenda.
Former Kansas City Chiefs practice squad player Chris Manno was one of many critics of Mamdani, suggesting Brunson would “hate” the new mayor.
“The captain will hate this clown as soon as he finds out how much of his next contract will support those who don’t feel the need to work in that corrupt city,” Manno wrote in response to the clip on X.
Cryptocurrency phenomenon account Dr. Evil of Crypto suggested that Brunson would not align with Mamdani’s values.
“Brunson is a conservative, religious, family-oriented man. He would never associate with this hateful, vile person,” influencer X wrote in his response. Brunson’s religious and political views are not publicly disclosed as he has not made any statements regarding them. For his college career, Brunson attended the private Catholic university Villanova.
New York City local news aggregator account City Desk NYC called Mamdani’s move “clown behavior.”
HOURS AFTER TAKING OFFICE, NYC Mayor MaMDANI MOVED TO INTERVENE IN A PRIVATE BANKRUPTCY CASE TARGETING HOMEOWNERS.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks at the media day press conference at the MSG training facility in Tarrytown, NY. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
“Mamdani’s Brunson costume is the pinnacle of clown behavior. Here he steals Jalen’s celebration while his politics steal New York’s future,” the account wrote in an X reply. “Brunson delivers wins. Mamdani provides excuses.”
Some other users also mocked or condemned Mamdani for this move.
However, other users praised Mamdani for her gestures and references during the conversation.
Brunson received 27 votes by write-in ballot in the last mayoral election.
Fox News Digital confirmed in October that the Knicks sent the campaign a cease and desist letter after Mamdani used a logo similar to the team’s in a campaign ad.
Mamdani shared the logo on Instagram with the caption: “This is our year. This is our time. #NewYorkForever.” The location of the post was Madison Square Garden. It has since been deleted.
CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
In their statement, the Knicks made clear they “do not endorse the company.” Mayoral candidate Mr. Mamdani.”
“The NY Knicks have sent a cease and desist letter to NYC Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani for his use of the NY Knicks logo to support his candidacy. The Knicks wish to make it clear that we do not support Mr. Mamdani for Mayor and object to his use of our copyrighted logo. We will pursue all legal remedies to enforce our rights.”
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
