Bill Maher criticizes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on “Real Time,” after Mamdani marks the third anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack with a tribute that also pivots to criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Multiple outlets report Maher mocks Mamdani for what he calls a “tone deaf” approach, arguing the commentary shifts away from the focus of the tribute.
The coverage centers on the remarks Maher makes during the episode, including a phrase likening Mamdani to “tone deaf” and a wordplay reference to a “rap” persona. Outlets differ mainly in framing and the specific line quoted, but they describe the same dispute: Mamdani’s anniversary statement blends remembrance with criticism of Israel, and Maher responds by ridiculing the mayor’s choice to make that connection.
