Randy Fine stands by calling Zohran Mamdani a 'Muslim terrorist'
The Florida congressman clashed with TMZ DC's Jacob Wasserman after targeting the New York mayor over his criticism of Israel.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Rep. Randy Fine defended his description of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “Muslim terrorist” during a tense TMZ DC exchange with host Jacob Wasserman, according to the outlet.
The Florida congressman aimed the label at Mamdani after the mayor criticized Israel and described its actions against Palestinians as genocide, TMZ DC reported. Fine’s argument, as described by the outlet, centered on the death toll Mamdani was referencing.
Fine said that figure includes Hamas members, according to TMZ DC. He pointed to Hamas’ role in the Oct. 7 attack that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis, and used that to defend his characterization of the mayor.
Wasserman challenged Fine over the wording, telling him the use of “Muslim” in the description was unnecessary, TMZ DC reported. Fine pushed back by comparing it to the way other groups are identified as white nationalists.
The exchange grew heated, according to TMZ DC, as Wasserman pressed the congressman on whether the religious descriptor added anything beyond inflaming the accusation. Fine did not back away from the phrase in the video published by the outlet.
Mamdani’s Israel comments at center of fight
Mamdani’s criticism of Israel was the flashpoint for Fine’s comments, according to TMZ DC. The outlet reported that Mamdani had accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians.
TMZ DC did not report a response from Mamdani to Fine’s remarks. The outlet also did not report any formal action tied to the congressman’s comments.
The clash comes as arguments over Israel, Hamas and antisemitism keep spilling from government chambers into entertainment and media circles. TMZ DC tied the Fine-Mamdani exchange to a separate clip involving actor Mark Ruffalo.
According to TMZ DC, a Zeteo podcast clip from months earlier surfaced in which Ruffalo said he could no longer be friends with Jewish actors who support Israel. The outlet did not describe any fresh response from Ruffalo to the renewed attention around the clip.
Fine, Mamdani, Wasserman and Ruffalo were all named by TMZ DC in its coverage of the political flare-up, which the outlet framed around the congressman’s refusal to soften his language about the New York mayor.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.