Michael Rapaport rips Mamdani over violence after Knicks loss

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Michael Rapaport has once again made his feelings for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani crystal clear.

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The Deep Blue Sea star took to X to talk about the post-game violence following Game 3 of the NBA Finals, which saw the New York Knicks lose to the San Antonio Spurs.

Rapaport, 56, shared videos of the chaotic clashes between fans at outdoor watch parties while NYPD officers patrolled the area.

“These ain’t Knick fans or Basketball fans,” the Atypical actor wrote alongside one video, before putting the current mayor on blast.

“This is embarrassing for NYC, D*** STAIN ZORON MANDAMI refer[s] to this as ‘kids being kids,’” he continued. “Not on my watch, RAPAPORT 2029.”

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Longtime grudge against Mamdani

The Boston Public star revealed earlier this year his plans to run for office following his mountain of criticism heaped on the city’s first Muslim mayor.

Rapaport has long been an outspoken critic of Mamdani, largely due to the latter’s left-wing Democratic-socialist policies, which the Atypical actor strongly opposes.

Rapaport has also been a vocal advocate for Israel, frequently attacking Mamdani for his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while also criticizing the mayor’s handling of the city.

In another video shared on X, Rapaport urged true Knicks fans to stay at home and avoid the violent shenanigans of the “bad stupid apples” that “don’t respect authority” who are out to ruin the celebrations.

But he turned his attention back to Mamdani, saying the city is stuck with a mayor who “enables them.”

Rapaport, like the true fan he is, concluded the clip with “Knicks in six.”

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What Mamdani had to say

Sam Raskin, Mamdani’s spokesperson, issued a statement following the wild scenes on Monday night.

“New Yorkers are understandably passionate about the Knicks, and the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game last night in ways that were both safe and fun,” Raskin told Fox News.

“But the fights and other disruptive incidents — including assaults on police officers — in various parts of the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the statement continued.

“As the NBA finals continue, Mayor Mamdani wants all New Yorkers to celebrate and enjoy this run across the city while respecting one another.”

While announcing his plans to take down Mamdani, the Only Murders in the Building actor described the mayor as “a stain at the helm.”

He went on to say he expected the mayor to “supersede all our fears and expectations.”

Rapaport’s mayoral tactics

Rapaport said during an interview with News Nation’s Chris Cuomo last month that he never thought he himself would run for mayor but says he only has the city’s “best intentions” at heart.

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“I won’t do it the way any other political person has ever done it,” Rapaport told Cuomo. “The only way to beat this guy is to make it and take it with New York City street fight mentality.”

He explained: “There’s no way to out-nice him. There’s no way out-slick him. I think that he’s the greatest bull crapper in the history of politicians … and that’s saying a lot.”

But he insisted “New York City needs to do something.”

Rapaport continued: “We need to plan right now because 2029 is around the corner, and, yes, I’m running for mayor of New York City. And I will only drop out until I feel like there’s somebody who’s more qualified that could actually beat Zohran the moron.”

He added: “My bark is a lot louder than my bite. There’s no way to out-finesse this guy, out-smile this guy. It has to be a dogfight. It has to be ugly, and that’s what I will do in my campaign.”

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