On Sunday, social media users took to platforms to accuse Sarah Sherman, a performer from “Saturday Night Live,” of not only mocking critics of Zoran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor in New York City, but also of campaigning for him during a live broadcast.
A pro-Israel account merged a clip of Sherman with an earlier post from June that featured the two together while she actively endorsed him. The video included criticism about how she might be trying to sidestep the FCC’s Equal Time Rule, which mandates that broadcasters must provide equal opportunities to all political candidates. One comment pointed out, “I’m no expert, but it looks pretty deliberate.”
In the latest “Weekend Update” segment from SNL, Sherman portrayed an exaggerated version of a Long Island resident, expressing irrational fears that Mamdani would take over the city, referring to him mockingly as a “hipster jihadist.” In a bizarre twist, her character admitted to having Islamophobia and even some inappropriate fantasies about the candidate.
“I mean, Che, Mamdani is an ISIS-trained Millennial Nepo baby from Uganda. Uganda is a joke,” the character exclaimed.
Afterward, another clip was shared in which Sherman was seen campaigning for Mamdani back in June. In that video, she urged viewers to cast their votes for him during the Democratic primary, highlighting issues like the high cost of living in New York and dissatisfaction with the current situation. “Tomorrow is election day. Please go vote,” she reminded the audience.
Mamdani, who is drawing support and remains a frontrunner, stated, “It’s the most expensive city in America. That’s why I’m running. I plan to freeze rent for millions and improve public transportation.” Current Mayor Eric Adams has already withdrawn from the race, although former Governor Andrew Cuomo still holds office.
Meanwhile, Sherman did not hold back when discussing Cuomo, labeling him “a disgusting pervert” who resigned in disgrace.
Comments online noted that Sherman has been actively supporting Mamdani for an extended period, even appearing in the skit that has drawn controversy.
No immediate response was available from NBC when inquiries were made for comments on the matter.
