Story perspectives

Mayor Faces Backlash Over Controversial Appointments and Allegations

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Anti-Defamation League criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for appointing Alvaro Lopez as Brooklyn Borough Director, citing a deleted post praising 'heroes' among hostage posters.
The ADL urged Mamdani to distance himself from Kaif Gilani, co-founder of Hot Girls 4 Zohran, due to Gilani's antisemitic content.
Following the controversy, Mamdani faced state political scrutiny about his response to Gilani's pro-Hamas content after testifying on the city budget in Albany.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Anti-Defamation League criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for appointing Alvaro Lopez as Brooklyn Borough Director, citing a deleted post praising 'heroes' among hostage posters.
The ADL urged Mamdani to distance himself from Kaif Gilani, co-founder of Hot Girls 4 Zohran, due to Gilani's antisemitic content.
Following the controversy, Mamdani faced state political scrutiny about his response to Gilani's pro-Hamas content after testifying on the city budget in Albany.