Zohran Mamdani drops CBS interview after Bari Weiss backs criticism aimed at him: Report

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani reportedly backed out of a planned interview with CBS News following controversy surrounding a social media post made by the network’s editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.

The Democratic New York City mayor had been in talks to appear on CBS ‘Sunday Morning’ with journalist Robert Costa, according to a report from Vanity Fair published Thursday, March 12.

However, the interview reportedly fell apart after Mamdani became increasingly uncomfortable with the network following critical coverage from Weiss’ digital outlet, The Free Press, a pro-Israel digital media outlet. 

Zohran Mamdani reportedly uneasy with CBS after coverage from Bari Weiss outlet

According to the Vanity Fair report, Mamdani had been discussing a potential sit-down interview with Costa for the network’s well-known Sunday program.

However, the mayor was said to be wary about appearing on the network because of how he had been portrayed by Weiss' digital media outlet, The Free Press.

Sources familiar with the situation told the magazine that Mamdani had grown increasingly reluctant to appear on the network as criticism around his political positions continued to circulate.

Still, discussions about the interview reportedly remained ongoing until a specific moment triggered a final decision.

That turning point came when Weiss publicly reacted to comments made by Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad during a CBS News broadcast.

Masih Alinejad confronts Zohran Mamdani during CBS coverage

During CBS News’ coverage of the US' Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regime, Alinejad delivered a pointed message aimed at Mamdani.

Addressing the mayor directly, she challenged his criticism of the operation and questioned his concerns about safety in New York City.

“Mr. Mamdani, you are more than welcome to come to one of my safe houses,” Alinejad said.

She continued by accusing him of ignoring threats connected to the Iranian government.

“Where were you when they sent killers here in New York City?” Alinejad asked.

She also referenced comments Mamdani had previously made about a relative feeling unsafe while using public transportation.

“You were crying for your aunt because she has stopped using the subway for simply - in an illusionist statement you made saying she didn't feel safe, for wearing a hijab,” Alinejad said.

She contrasted that claim with her own experience.

“Really? I stopped using subways because of the would-be assassins being sent to beautiful New York City by the Islamic Republic,” Alinejad added.

Alinejad then urged Mamdani to direct his criticism elsewhere.

Before finishing her remarks, she told him to shift his “hatred” away from Donald Trump.

Bari Weiss reaction reportedly became ‘nail in the coffin’

Shortly after the comments aired, Weiss allegedly responded to the remarks on X with a fire emoji.

According to sources who spoke with Vanity Fair, that reaction was the moment that ultimately ended the possibility of Mamdani appearing on CBS.

One source described Weiss’ response as the “nail in the coffin” for the potential interview.

The move reportedly reinforced Mamdani’s concerns about appearing on a network where he felt key figures had already taken a critical stance toward him.

Sources say tensions are making CBS interviews harder to book

The fallout surrounding the situation has also sparked discussion about the broader impact on the network’s ability to secure interviews.

A former CBS producer told Vanity Fair that the controversy reflects deeper tensions between public figures and the network.

“Bari and her people have a clear ax to grind with him,” the former producer said about Mamdani.

The source also added that the problem extends beyond Mamdani himself.

“It’s not just Zohran,” the former producer said. “It’s really hard now to get people to come on CBS.”