Fury erupts over Mamdani parade invite as old Columbus insult resurfaces: ‘Are you kidding me?’
NYC’s Columbus Day Parade Faces Controversy Over Mayor’s Invitation
The Columbus Citizens Foundation, which organizes Manhattan’s annual Columbus Day Parade, has announced that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will be a participant in the event scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12. The decision, aimed at improving relations between City Hall and the Italian‑American community, has provoked a sharp backlash from some Italian‑American leaders, who see the mayor’s past criticism of the explorer Christopher Columbus as incompatible with the parade’s purpose.
Mamdani, who has been criticized by Italian Americans for a 2020 tweet in which he posted a photo of himself making a middle‑finger gesture at a Columbus statue and captioned it “take it down,” has also been involved in other controversies that have stoked dissent. In March, a city‑issued map of ethnic neighborhoods omitted Little Italy, a move that prompted backlash from Italian residents. The map was later revised to include the enclave, but the incident remains a sore point for many in the community.
Reaction from Italian‑American Leaders
Mike Crispi, president of the Italian American Civil Rights League, called the invitation “a weak and feckless move” and wrote on X that “Zohran has shown contempt for our people and kissing a** won’t change his true feelings.” He threatened to organize a competing Columbus Day parade next year if the foundation does not rescind its invitation.
“Italian Americans need to wake up and get tough,” Crispi said. “It’s the only way to preserve our culture.”
Christopher Loiacono, president of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, defended the invitation as a step toward cooperation. “We feel cooperating is always the better path,” he told the New York Post. “We hope to create a good relationship with his office and that he will be more open to working with the Italian community.”
Queens Republican Councilwoman Joann Ariola criticized the mayor’s presence, arguing that his past actions showed a lack of respect for Italian heritage. She posted on X that “this is a man who has made it clear that he doesn’t respect Christopher Columbus, and he doesn’t even think us enough of a group to put on his immigrant enclave map.” Ariola added that Mamdani’s invitation was “just a picture op and pretending he’s a paisan now.” She called for the mayor to sit out the parade.
The backlash has spilled over beyond the Italian‑American community. Sid Rosenberg, a Jewish radio host who has served as an honorary dignitary at the Columbus Day Parade for five years, expressed dismay on X. “I’m not Italian but I’ve been an honorary dignitary for five years,” Rosenberg said. “The organizers of the parade invited [Mamdani] to attend? What? This Radical Islam mother fcker gave the finger to a Columbus statue and left Little Italy/Arthur Avenue off his bullsht immigrant map … When did my Italian brothers and sisters become so soft! … I will NOT attend this year if he is there.”
Roger Stone, a right‑wing political operative, also weighed in. “Just as Mamdani’s presence at the 9/11 ceremony was inappropriate, we Italian/Americans don’t want him on Columbus Day either,” Stone wrote on X.
Mayor’s Response and Current Status
The mayor’s office has not yet confirmed whether Mamdani will attend the parade. No comment was received from either the mayor’s office or the Columbus Citizens Foundation when Fox News Digital reached out for statements.
The controversy echoes earlier disputes involving Mamdani’s participation in public events. In September, his attendance at the annual memorial service at Ground Zero sparked a petition from families of 9/11 victims calling for his withdrawal. The mayor’s presence at the ceremony was criticized by some who felt it was inappropriate.
Next Steps
The Columbus Citizens Foundation has not announced any changes to the invitation. The foundation’s president remains committed to fostering a productive relationship with City Hall, while the Italian‑American community is divided over whether the mayor’s inclusion aligns with the parade’s celebration of heritage.
The parade, a long‑standing tradition that celebrates Italian heritage and its ties to the United States, will proceed as planned on Oct. 12. Whether Mamdani’s participation will proceed or be rescinded remains to be seen as the community and city officials weigh the cultural and political implications of the mayor’s presence.