New York City, October 29, 2025

A fabricated interview misquoted former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, misleading the public about his views on mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s policies. De Blasio denied the false claims, leading to a retraction and apology from The Times of London. The incident highlights the dangers of misinformation in political reporting and its potential impact on mayoral campaigns.

New York City

Impersonator Misleads The Times of London with False Quotes About Zohran Mamdani’s Policy Platform

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has denounced a fabricated interview published by The Times of London that falsely quoted him criticizing Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s policy proposals. The newspaper has since retracted the article and apologized for the deception.

Details of the Fabricated Interview

The Times of London published an article on October 28, 2025, quoting de Blasio expressing concerns about Mamdani’s policy proposals, suggesting they lacked fiscal credibility. The quotes were later proven to be entirely fictitious, as an individual impersonating de Blasio misled the newspaper’s reporter. Upon discovering the deception, The Times removed the article and issued an apology to de Blasio, describing the incident as a “serious breach” of trust.

De Blasio’s Response

De Blasio took to social media to address the false report, clearly stating that the story was entirely false and fabricated. He expressed his appallment at the situation, asserting that he never spoke to that reporter and that the quoted remarks did not reflect his views. He reaffirmed his support for Mamdani’s policies, stating they are “achievable” even if they would take time to implement.

Background on Zohran Mamdani’s Campaign

Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat and state assemblyman, has positioned himself as a left-wing reformer promising to make buses free, freeze rent on rent-stabilized apartments, and offer universal childcare. His policy agenda has been compared to de Blasio’s initiatives during his tenure as mayor, including universal pre-kindergarten and affordable housing efforts. De Blasio endorsed Mamdani in September 2025, praising his focus on “kitchen-table issues” affecting everyday New Yorkers and expressing confidence in the feasibility of Mamdani’s proposed policies.

Implications for the Mayoral Race

The incident has raised concerns about misinformation and the potential impact of false reports on the mayoral race. Political opponents of Mamdani seized upon the fabricated quotes to question the viability of his policy proposals. However, de Blasio’s swift denial and the retraction by The Times have mitigated the potential damage to Mamdani’s campaign. The episode underscores the importance of verifying sources and the potential consequences of misinformation in political reporting.

Conclusion

The publication of false quotes attributed to Bill de Blasio has been addressed with the retraction of the article and an apology from The Times of London. De Blasio’s clear denial and reaffirmation of support for Zohran Mamdani highlight the challenges posed by misinformation in the political arena. As the mayoral race progresses, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for accurate and responsible journalism.

FAQ

What was the fabricated interview about?

The fabricated interview falsely quoted former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticizing Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s policy proposals, suggesting they lacked fiscal credibility.

How did The Times of London respond?

Upon discovering the deception, The Times of London retracted the article and issued an apology to de Blasio, describing the incident as a “serious breach” of trust.

What is Zohran Mamdani’s policy platform?

Zohran Mamdani’s policy platform includes proposals to make buses free, freeze rent on rent-stabilized apartments, and offer universal childcare, aiming to address affordability and social equity in New York City.

How did Bill de Blasio react to the false report?

Bill de Blasio publicly denounced the fabricated interview, stating that the story was “entirely false and fabricated” and reaffirmed his support for Mamdani’s policies, describing them as “achievable.”

What are the implications of this incident for the mayoral race?

The incident highlights the potential impact of misinformation on political campaigns and underscores the importance of accurate reporting. The swift retraction and de Blasio’s denial have mitigated potential damage to Mamdani’s campaign.

Key Features of the Incident

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.