Mayor Mamdani's wife apologizes for insulting Israel, using N-word and gay slur in past tweets
Context:
Rama Duwaji, wife of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, apologized for teenage tweets that included anti-Israel sentiments, a gay slur, and the N-word, telling Hyperallergic she understands the hurt caused and is reflecting on her growth as an artist and person. She emphasized that being 15 at the time does not excuse harmful language and noted the recent tabloid spotlight has compelled self‑reassessment. The controversy, first highlighted by a Washington Free Beacon report in March, also touched on messages supporting Palestinian terrorism and criticism of U.S. soldiers in wars she opposed. Mamdani described his wife as a private figure who has not held a campaign or city hall position. Duwaji did not address a separate report about liking posts in support of the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as she continues to pursue her work with care and responsibility.
Dive Deeper:
Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-American artist born in Texas, apologized in an interview with Hyperallergic for past tweets written as a teenager that included harmful language and targeted groups.
The offending posts were documented by the Washington Free Beacon in March, highlighting messages that supported Palestinian terrorism and criticized U.S. soldiers in what she described as imperial wars.
Duwaji acknowledged the hurt caused by her language, stating that being 15 does not excuse it and expressing genuine remorse while reflecting on her personal and artistic evolution.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani characterized his wife as a private individual who has no formal role in his campaign or in city government, addressing questions about the couple’s public profile.
Duwaji did not comment on reports alleging she liked posts supporting the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, focusing instead on her ongoing work and the broader process of change and responsibility.
The couple met on the Hinge dating app in 2021 and married in 2025, situating the controversy within a broader narrative of their private lives intersecting with public scrutiny.