Filmmaker Michael Moore, known for his far-left views, supported democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani, who recently lost a bid for New York mayor. He shared Mamdani’s story about an aunt supposedly facing Islamophobia after the September 11 attacks.
In a post on his platform, Moore highlighted a speech by Mamdani, praising him for his “courage, dignity, and grace.”
“Mamdani has managed to maintain his composure and integrity. Just last week, he delivered an impactful speech at the Islamic Cultural Center in the Bronx after Friday prayers. I highly recommend you watch and share it,” Moore commented.
“To the nearly one million Muslims in New York City, who are currently facing a wave of Islamophobic advertisements and mailings, I stand with you. We are all supporting you!” he continued. “And to the intolerant, the Islamophobes, the hateful, and the warmongers—this must stop! Enough is enough!”
During the speech, Mamdani recounted how his Muslim aunt had been subjected to prejudice following September 11, stating she felt insecure wearing a hijab on public transportation.
“I want to honor my aunt’s memory. After September 11, she ceased using the subway because she didn’t feel secure in her hijab,” he mentioned in a formal statement last Friday. “In a time when bipartisan connections are eroding, Islamophobia seems to be one of the few points of agreement.”
However, it was later noted that there are no public records verifying that Mamdani’s aunt, Masuma Mamdani, wore a hijab, and she may have been in Tanzania during the September 11 attacks. Mamdani then clarified he was actually referring to his father’s cousin.
“I was speaking about my father’s cousin Zehra Fuhi, who passed away some years ago,” Mamdani explained to reporters.
Mamdani’s campaign did not provide the full name of his cousin when asked.
