Old Interview Footage of NYC Mayor Mamdani Sparks Conservative Social Media Criticism Over Accent

Conservative figures on social media launched a coordinated criticism campaign Wednesday against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after a 2016 radio interview resurfaced online. The clip, recorded during a South Africa-based broadcast promoting the film Queen of Katwe, drew accusations that Mamdani adopted an accent inconsistent with his typical speech patterns while discussing Ugandan cultural traditions.

During the Kaya 959 radio station appearance, Mamdani explained his personal connection to Uganda while noting his childhood in New York, describing cultural differences in dance and social behavior between Kampala and American urban environments. He stated he was “from Uganda” but also grew up in New York, using the example of how men in New York were hesitant dancers compared to Ugandans who danced freely regardless of gender.

The footage quickly circulated across X, formerly Twitter, generating widespread mockery from prominent conservative voices and media figures. Spencer Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, characterized Mamdani as a “theater kid” engaged in cultural appropriation, while Daily Wire and Conservative Brief posted critical commentary questioning Democratic politicians’ use of different accents.

Mamdani holds dual U.S. and Ugandan citizenship and was born in Uganda before being raised in South Africa and relocating to New York at age seven. The mayor’s mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, directed Queen of Katwe, which tells the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, with Mamdani serving as music supervisor and third assistant director.

Fox News Digital contacted the mayor’s office seeking comment on the resurfaced footage and accompanying criticism.