Hollywood actress Debra Messing has ignited a political firestorm after launching an extraordinary attack on New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, controversially labelling the progressive politician a "jihadist" in a now-viral social media post.
Celebrity Political Clash Escalates
The Will & Grace star's inflammatory comments came during heated online exchanges about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Messing took exception to Mamdani's vocal support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli government policies.
Messing's post, which has since been widely condemned, accused the Democratic Socialist assemblyman of engaging in "jihadist rhetoric" and attempting to "destroy the Jewish state." The remark immediately drew condemnation from political figures and civil rights organisations across the spectrum.
Political Backlash Intensifies
Mamdani, who represents Queens in the New York State Assembly, fired back at what he called "dangerous and Islamophobic language" from the high-profile actress. "When celebrities use terms like 'jihadist' so casually, they're not just attacking me - they're endangering Muslim communities everywhere," the assemblyman stated.
The controversy highlights the increasingly volatile nature of celebrity involvement in political discourse, particularly concerning the Middle East conflict. Several Jewish advocacy groups have also criticised Messing's choice of language, while standing by her right to express support for Israel.
Social Media Storm Erupts
The online spat quickly escalated, with Messing's comments being shared thousands of times across multiple platforms. Supporters of the actress defended her as a passionate advocate for Jewish causes, while critics accused her of deploying Islamophobic tropes and dangerous rhetoric.
Political analysts note that this incident reflects broader tensions within progressive circles regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with traditional alliances being tested and language becoming increasingly polarised.
As the digital confrontation continues to generate headlines, both sides appear to be digging in their heels, suggesting this celebrity-political clash is far from over.
