But controversy erupted when she reposted a meme labeling Mamdani a “communist jihadist” and calling the election a battle between “democracy and extremism.” The post spread to her one million followers within hours.

Critics accused Messing of promoting racism and Islamophobia, arguing her language reinforced dangerous stereotypes about Muslim Americans. One user wrote, “This isn’t politics — it’s prejudice.” Many condemned her timing, posting such remarks on election day.

Some, however, defended her right to criticize, saying she was objecting to Mamdani’s political ideology, not his faith. Yet the backlash intensified after she shared another post calling him “Osama Bin Mamdani,” a phrase many saw as deeply offensive given New York’s 9/11 history.

Mamdani addressed the tone of the campaign in his victory speech: “I am young, I am Muslim, I am a democratic socialist — and I