SNL Sparks Major Backlash
SNL Slammed for Explosive Antisemitic Sketch Amid NYC Mayoral Chaos
SNL’s latest sketch targeting NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani draws widespread outrage for antisemitic caricature, fueling a heated debate on satire, bias, and social media backlash.
A recent "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) sketch has drawn sharp criticism for portraying an antisemitic stereotype of a Jewish woman while satirizing opposition to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
The controversy erupted following the October 12 episode, hosted by Amy Poehler, and was amplified by social media users who accused the show of dismissing legitimate concerns about Mamdani's views on jihadist groups and the Israel-Palestine conflict.The sketch appeared during the "Weekend Update" segment, where co-anchor Michael Che interviewed a fictional character named Rhonda LaCenzo, played by cast member Sarah Sherman. Sporting an exaggerated New York Jewish accent and mannerisms, Rhonda ranted hysterically about Mamdani's campaign, labeling him an "ISIS-trained millennial netball baby from Uganda" who aims to enforce "Sharia lore" and implement socialist policies that would devastate the city. The bit culminated in Rhonda confessing her fear of "all Muslim people" and sharing a bizarre fantasy about Mamdani, framing the satire as a takedown of Islamophobic hysteria.
Critics, including X user Persian Jewess blasted the portrayal as a "disgusting display" of antisemitism, arguing it mocked Jewish concerns about Mamdani's alleged pro-jihadist stance by reducing them to a caricatured, neurotic Jewish woman.
Online reactions ranged from calls of "Goebbels-inspired propaganda" to accusations of "gaslighting Jewish New Yorkers," with some demanding accountability from NBC.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and current New York State Assemblymember representing Queens, has been a polarizing figure in the mayoral race. Opponents have accused him of antisemitism and sympathy toward jihadist groups, citing his vocal criticism of Israel, participation in a Gaza 5K fundraiser for UNRWA, and statements following the October 7 attacks. Mamdani has firmly rejected these claims, stating in interviews that he supports Israel's right to exist and condemns antisemitism.
Adding fuel to the fire, @persianjewess shared in her post that Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-American illustrator and pro-Palestinian activist, shared a tribute to a Hamas terrorist on her Instagram Stories on the same day as the SNL episode.
The individual in question was Saleh Al Jafarawi, known online as "Mr. Fafo," a Gazan social media influencer and journalist who documented life amid the Israel-Hamas war through videos. Al Jafarawi was reportedly killed in Gaza during internal clashes with groups opposing Hamas.
Al Jafarawi was clearly a Hamas propagandist due to content celebrating rocket launches toward Israel and advancing pro-Palestinian narratives. He was also hated by many Gazans because he collected money for Gazans and to build a hospital and then he allegedly stole the money.
Duwaji's post, which included hearts and a eulogy mourning his death, has been interpreted by some as endorsement of Hamas-linked figures.
Neither SNL nor Mamdani's campaign immediately responded to requests for comment.