Fact Check: Did Mamdani admit to having an open relationship with his wife, Rama Duwaji?

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: An allegation has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has admitted to having an open relationship with his wife and the city’s First Lady, Rama Duwaji. The claim has sparked shock and mockery from critics and online users, with many calling for a fact-check.

Claim: Zohran Mamdani admitted to having an open relationship with Rama Duwaji

According to a viral post that surfaced on Facebook, Mamdani admitted to having an open relationship with his wife after paparazzi caught her with three different men.

Mamdani allegedly said that it has “been essential to our marriage’s success and my ability to serve this city without the burden of secrets.” 

The post was accompanied by an article which stated that the Mayor’s statement drew backlash from conservative groups who questioned his cultural values.

The article further stated that The New York Times featured a front-page headline stating, “MAYOR’S OPEN MARRIAGE” along with a photo of the couple.

The claim drew outrage from social media users, indicating that many believed it to be true, while others dismissed it as fake and called for verification of the rumor.

Fact Check: The claim originated from a parody account

The claim, however, is false and fabricated, as no such paparazzi incident involving Mamdani’s wife was reported by any media. There are also no official reports or statements from the mayor admitting that he has an open relationship with his wife and that it's essential for the success of their marriage.

Also, the claim that The New York Times featured a front page headline about it is baseless.

Moreover, the claim originated from a popular parody account called ‘America’s Last Line Of Defense,’ which describes itself in the bio as ‘Nothing on this page is real.’ Hence, the claim is rated as satire, made for the sake of engagement.

Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji's relationship

The couple met in 2021 through a dating app called Hinge, when Mamdani was a member of the New York State Assembly. 

During his campaigning, Mamdani told The Bulwark podcast, “There is still hope in those dating apps.”

Mamdani addressed the online trolls that targeted Duwaji during his mayoral campaign, stating, “Rama isn’t just my wife; she’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can critique my views, but not my family.”