Full Breakdown
French Montana Provides $75,000 Relief for NYC Taxi Driver Vandalized After Knicks Victory
6/19/2026, 1:09:58 AM
Celebration Turned Assault: Taxi Vandalism and Celebrity Response
During celebrations after the New York Knicks’ Game 4 win in the NBA Finals, a crowd surrounded the cab of Noureddine Bitat, a New York City taxi driver, stomped on the vehicle and shattered its windshield. The incident was recorded and later highlighted on “CBS Mornings.” French Montana, who saw the video, said the driver was “trying to feed his family” and decided to intervene.
Key Figures & Groups
The response involved rapper French Montana, driver Noureddine Bitat, YouTuber Zachery Dereniowski, and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, which helped organize a GoFundMe campaign for Bitat.
Chronology of Events
- Knicks Game 4 victory – celebrations begin.
- Taxi vandalism – windshield smashed.
- Video shared – reaches French Montana.
- GoFundMe launched – by Montana, Dereniowski, union.
- 2,000+ donors contribute.
- CBS Mornings – Montana presents $75,000 check, pledges year-long support.
Data & Statistics
The GoFundMe campaign attracted over 2,000 donors and raised approximately $75,000, matching the amount of the check presented by Montana on “CBS Mornings.”
Why It Matters
The case highlights the vulnerability of taxi drivers during large public events and shows how a high-profile figure can mobilize rapid financial aid. It also underscores the role of the Taxi Workers Alliance in directing community resources to affected members.
Official Statements & Responses
French Montana described the incident as an unexpected hardship for a man trying to support his family and pledged to cover Bitat’s living expenses for one year while the driver decides his next occupation. Bitat said he no longer wishes to drive a taxi. The Taxi Workers Alliance confirmed the partnership with Montana and emphasized community solidarity for members facing similar risks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just saw a man trying to feed his family,” — French Montana, rapper
- “I want to give a shoutout to my brother, Zach … he got a big platform, because me and him came together to do it. I'm going to give a shoutout to the taxi union, GoFundMe and all the people that came together to make this man's life easy,” — French Montana
- “I asked him 'does he even watch the Knicks?' He said, 'I don't even know what the Knicks is.' He just happened to be working around the place, and you know, things unfortunately happened to him. He doesn't deserve it,” — French Montana
- “I asked him 'does he even watch the Knicks?' He said, 'I don't even know what the Knicks is.' He just happened to be working around the place, and you know, things unfortunately happened to him. He doesn't deserve it,” — Noureddine Bitat, taxi driver
What’s Next
Montana’s pledge covers Bitat’s living costs for the next twelve months, giving the driver time to consider alternative employment. The collaboration between the artist, the taxi union, and the GoFundMe platform may serve as a template for rapid assistance to workers affected by public disturbances.
