Zohran Mamdani Slams Viral AI Images With Jeffrey Epstein

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, currently in the first 100 days of his historic term, spoke out on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, against a wave of AI-generated disinformation. The images, which depicted a young Mamdani and his mother, Mira Nair, alongside Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and several high-profile tech billionaires, have racked up over 21 million views on social media.

The Mayor described the experience as “incredibly difficult,” noting how easily digital fabrications can take root in the public consciousness.

1. The Origin: A Case of “Guilt by Association”

The controversy stems from the January 30, 2026, release of millions of documents from the Epstein Files by the Department of Justice.

• The Mention: One document included a 2009 email from a publicist mentioning that Mira Nair attended a film after-party at Maxwell’s townhouse for her film Amelia.
• The Context: Nair was never accused of any wrongdoing; she was simply listed as a guest alongside other celebrities.
• The Manipulation: Shortly after the files were released, a self-described “AI-powered meme engine” on X (formerly Twitter) generated photos of Mamdani and Nair “posing” with Epstein to imply a deeper connection.

2. Fact-Checking the AI Fakes

Disinformation researchers and fact-checkers quickly debunked the images using forensic tools.

3. Mamdani Calls for Urgent AI Regulation

At a press conference, the Mayor pivoted from his personal distress to a broader policy warning. He argued that current laws are “ill-equipped” for the velocity of modern technology.

• The “Lie” Adage: Mamdani cited the old saying: “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”
• Regulatory Push: He called for a city-wide and national regulatory system to curb the misuse of AI for defamation and election interference.
• School Policy: The Mayor confirmed he is working with the Schools Chancellor to address the impact of AI-generated misinformation within the NYC education system.

4. Historical Context: Mayor Mamdani’s Rise

Zohran Mamdani’s victory in November 2025 made him the youngest NYC mayor in over a century and the first Muslim to hold the office. His administration has faced high levels of digital scrutiny from the outset.