Cuomo’s AI Ad Draws Criticism During Debate Over Mayoral Race

NEW YORK CITY — Andrew Cuomo, the former governor running as an independent candidate for mayor, faced backlash on social media after an AI-generated advertisement supporting his campaign was mistakenly posted. The two-minute video promotes the Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani with a theme that many described as racist and Islamophobic.

The ad appeared online shortly after the start of the debate on Oct. 22, showcasing AI-generated imagery of Mamdani engaging in various activities while highlighting criminal figures who purportedly endorse him. The video was deleted just five minutes later by Cuomo’s campaign, but not before it had been widely condemned and reshared.

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, clarified that the ad was an unfinished draft posted in error by a junior staffer, stating, “The video was neither finished nor approved.” The controversy has raised questions about the campaign’s messaging strategy.

Mamdani’s supporters quickly reacted to the ad, which included AI representations of criminals supporting his policies that would decriminalize certain misdemeanors. Critics, including former Mayor Bill de Blasio, labeled the ad as disqualifying.

Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, called the video “full of racist stereotypes.” Similarly, the government watchdog group Common Cause NY suggested that the ad may have violated election laws by failing to disclose the use of AI in its creation.

Meanwhile, during an appearance on Sid & Friends, Cuomo sparked more outrage by insinuating that Mamdani would react positively if a tragedy similar to 9/11 occurred again, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters, including U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres.

Mamdani, responding to the comments, described them as “disgusting” and called for civility in political discourse. He reiterated the importance of treating all community members with respect.

Governor Kathy Hochul, who succeeded Cuomo, also criticized his remarks on social media, stating that “fear-mongering, hate speech, and Islamophobia are beneath New York.” As the election approaches, the candidates continue to clash over various issues, making this election one of the most contentious in recent history.