Why is Debra Messing facing backlash this election day? 'Will & Grace' star stirs social media debate amid mayoral race

American actress Debra Messing is facing online backlash after sharing an inflammatory image labeling New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani a "jihadist" on Instagram. Before the polls closed on Tuesday, November 4, the Will & Grace star reposted a political meme from another account called The Persian Jewess.

The meme Messing shared on her Instagram Story featured an image of an edited ballot listing two candidates. The first one reads "A Democrat. Just a Democrat," while the other lists, "An actual communist kihadist. A literal Karl Marx-quoting, America-hating jihadist."

In the original image from The Persian Jewess account, the meme hashtagged Zohran Mamdani and encouraged people to vote for Andrew Cuomo in support of "democracy." Now, after Debra Messing reshared the post on her Instagram, she received criticism from online users and other personalities.

On X, writer Carey O'Donnell called her a "psychopath" in response to her recent online behavior, although the post has since been deleted. In an X thread sharing her Instagram Story, other online users criticized her behavior, with one calling her "messy."

Other posts on Messing's Instagram Story include President Donald Trump endorsing Cuomo and Trump's Truth Social post calling any Jewish person who will vote for Zohran Mamdani a "proven and self-professed JEW HATER" and a "stupid person."

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Debra Messing was recently honored in Tel Aviv for her advocacy

Emmy winner Debra Messing recently traveled from New York to Tel Aviv to receive an award that honors her decades of advocacy and support for Israel. She was the guest of honor in the closing ceremony of the International LGBTQ+ Film Festival at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque on Sunday, November 2. She also shared her deep connection with the Jewish State in the interview with Israel Hayom:

"I grew up with parents who were very, very passionate Zionists. And this was in the 80s. And they came here many, many times and were very proud and always taught me that it was our responsibility to protect Israel, our homeland."

Debra Messing at the "Other" Opening Night (Image via John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Also, during the ceremony, she addressed the crowd and said that it was a "great honor" to be part of the event and get the award because they feel like family to her. Before that, Debra Messing had been vocal about her support for the Jewish state. Back in December 2024, she told CNN that she had never felt as proud of being a Jew, adding:

"It really awakened in me a pride and a strength I think that was lying dormant, and I think I was too scared to reveal."

According to CNN, she has also traveled to Israel for a chance to meet with representatives of the Israeli Defense Force and some family members of hostages. Moreover, on November 4, Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron Huldai presented Messing with the "Key to the City" for her contributions, advocacy, and support for Israel.

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Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins New York City's mayoral election over former governor Andrew Cuomo. Debra Messing has yet to comment on the election result.

Edited by Kinette Sumadia