Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has publicly apologized for "harmful" social media posts she made as a teenager. The apology comes after a conservative news outlet resurfaced material, including a post where she used an anti-gay slur. In an interview with Hyperallergic, Duwaji expressed shame over the language she used, stating that being 15 does not excuse it. She acknowledged the hurt caused and offered a sincere apology.
Duwaji did not specify which comments she was referring to, nor did she address other social media activity regarding Israel that has drawn scrutiny. The Washington Free Beacon reported on years of Duwaji’s online activity, including posts praising female Palestinian militants and using racial and homophobic slurs. The mayor has previously stated that his wife is a private person who does not hold a formal position in City Hall.
The controversy has raised questions about the mayor’s ability to ease concerns among New York City’s Jewish community, particularly given his own criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The mayor declined to specify which posts his wife regretted, deferring to her interview reflections.