Zohran Mamdani Supporters Turn on Mayor Following Mira Nair's Mention in Epstein Documents: 'You Lied, Zohran. Shame!'

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing a storm of protest after his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, was named in the latest release of documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The mention, contained in a 2009 email, has ignited anger among Mamdani's supporters, many of whom now accuse him of betraying their trust.

The US Department of Justice published more than three million pages of Epstein-related files on 31 January 2026. While the documents do not allege wrongdoing by Nair, her inclusion has triggered a backlash that threatens to overshadow Mamdani's early days in office. The sheer scale of the release has ensured that even minor references are being scrutinised intensely, with commentators noting that the public appetite for accountability remains high in the wake of Epstein's conviction and subsequent death.

Supporters Turn on Mamdani

Videos circulating online show protesters gathered outside Gracie Mansion, the Mayor's official residence, chanting 'You lied, Zohran. Shame!' and accusing the mayor of concealing his family's connection to Epstein's social circle. Many of those who campaigned for Mamdani now say they feel deceived.

Several protest organisers have emphasised that their anger is not rooted in proven misconduct but in what they perceive as a lack of openness from the Mayor. For them, the issue is symbolic, an early test of whether Mamdani's administration will live up to its pledge of transparency.

Mira Nair's Name in the Files

Among the three million pages of Epstein files is a 2009 email that mentions Nair's name, sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein.

The email references an after-party she attended for Nair's film. Siegal listed attendees including Bill Clinton, Jeff Bezos, and Nair herself. The email noted the film received a 'tepid reaction,' though female audiences responded more positively.

Siegal's email read: 'just left Ghislaine's townhouse after party for film. Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair etc. Film received tepid reaction although women like it much more Hillary Swank and Gere at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportwear department very weird.'

'Studio went for free party from store and windows for a month Going to be in Wall Street 2 tomorrow. more to come. xoxo Peg,' she added.

The film in question, Amelia, starred Hillary Swank and Richard Gere.

Clinton's name appears extensively throughout the newly released files. His involvement is a major focal point of the current congressional investigations. Bezos, by contrast, is mentioned less frequently than Clinton. His name primarily appears in the context of high-society social gatherings.

Silence from Mamdani and Nair

As of publication, neither Mamdani nor Nair, has issued a formal statement addressing the email found in the Epstein files. Despite escalating calls for transparency, the Mayor has remained notably silent, with his office yet to comment on the DOJ files or the subsequent protests at his official residence.

For many who supported Mamdani based on his cornerstone promise of 'integrity', this silence is being felt as a profound betrayal—further stoking the 'shame' chants that continue to echo outside the gates of Gracie Mansion.