Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Lavish Uganda Wedding

New York City mayoral candidate and Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is facing widespread criticism after hosting an extravagant three-day wedding at his family's luxurious estate in a wealthy enclave of Uganda. The event featured over 20 masked special forces guards, multiple security gates, and a phone-jamming system, drawing accusations of hypocrisy given Mamdani's advocacy for rent freezes, defunding the police, and expanded social programs. Critics, labeling him a 'champagne socialist,' highlighted the contrast between his calls for social equality and his family's generational wealth. The festivities’ timing, while the local neighborhood was reportedly in mourning, further fueled backlash both online and in the media. Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, had previously held related ceremonies in Dubai and New York. The incident has ignited a broader debate about privilege, security, and authenticity among progressive political leaders.