New York First Lady Faces Backlash for Liking ‘Mass Hoax’ Post on October 7 Rapes

In February 2024, significant controversy arose involving Rama Duwaji, the First Lady of New York City. This controversy began a few months after The New York Times published an investigation into incidents of sexual violence that took place on October 7, 2023.

Controversial Social Media Activity

Duwaji faced backlash for liking an Instagram post that referred to a “mass rape” hoax, allegedly fabricated by the Times. This incident sparked widespread criticism, highlighting her social media activity and its implications.

Extreme Views on Israel

Reports indicate that Duwaji had engaged with over 70 Instagram posts expressing extreme opinions about Israel. Some of these posts condemned Israel for what they termed a “vile land grab.” Duwaji’s positions seem to resonate strongly with certain activist circles.

• A post praised protesters who recently occupied a Columbia University building, describing them as “on the right side of progress.”
• Another post called for the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a demand that Mayor Mamdani stated he would support should Netanyahu visit New York.
• One inflammatory post characterized President Biden with the phrase “Butcher Biden,” accusing him of leaving a legacy of genocide.

Duwaji, who is of Syrian descent but was born in Houston, Texas, has thus become a polarizing figure due to her public endorsements of these radical positions. The combination of her social media activity and the timing of her posts has led to a surprisingly tense political climate in New York.

Impact on Political Landscape

The emerging backlash against Duwaji’s social media activity could have broader implications for her husband, Mayor Zohran Mamdani. As public opinion shifts, the mayor may face pressure to address these divisive issues.

This ongoing controversy calls attention to the intersections of politics, activism, and personal expression in today’s digital age. It raises questions about the influence social media has on public figures and the responsibilities that come with their platform.