New York Post slammed for smearing Ms Rachel after Mamdani inauguration pick

Backlash is growing after the New York Post described prominent children's content creator Ms Rachel as a "controversial YouTube star" following her appointment to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's inaugural committee, a label critics say reflects a broader effort to stigmatise pro-Palestine speech.

Parents and activists online pushed back sharply, arguing that opposing the killing of children is a basic humanitarian stance, not a controversial opinion. At the same time, Mamdani has drawn support from progressives for assembling an inauguration slate that openly reflects the coalition that powered his election victory. 

The only people that think Ms. Rachel is "controversial", or that NYC Jews will be in danger once Mamdani takes office, are deranged supporters of the genocidal apartheid state that claims to represent Jews worldwide as it mass murders Gazan children because they are Palestinian. https://t.co/mjcwHhFz4e

— Crying Freeman (@tomodachi01010) December 25, 2025

Mamdani has named a slate of prominent activists and public figures to his inaugural committee, drawing praise from supporters and criticism from pro-Israel media for the inclusion of outspoken pro-Palestine voices.

He is set to be sworn into office on 1 January 2026, with a public Inauguration Block Party planned for the same day in downtown Manhattan, an event his team has framed as an open, city-wide celebration rather than a closed political ceremony.

Among those appointed is Ms Rachel, also known as Rachel Griffin Accurso, a widely followed children's YouTube educator with 18 million followers who has used her platform to call for an end to the killing of children in Gaza.

The committee also includes actor and longtime progressive activist Cynthia Nixon, Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace, and Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of New York Jewish Agenda.

Announcing the committee, Mamdani said he was "honoured to be joined by some of the most creative and experienced minds in the city", adding that the aim was to build "an inauguration that is truly by and for New Yorkers".

'Controversial' for opposing the killing of children?

The New York Post's framing of Ms Rachel quickly became the focal point of online criticism. Many pointed out that her advocacy has centred on humanitarian appeals, particularly the protection of children, rather than partisan politics.

The headlines that strain to frame compassion as provocation will age quickly and people will look back and marvel that standing up for the children of Gaza was ever framed as something suspect.

Ms. Rachel was an unequivocal choice for us. We’re so lucky she calls New York home. https://t.co/kwWHgXbTsg

— Zara Rahim (@ZaraRahim) December 25, 2025

Critics also noted that both Ms Rachel and Cynthia Nixon have been finalists on StopAntisemitism's "Antisemite of the Year" list, a designation opponents argue is increasingly deployed to target public figures critical of Israeli government policy rather than genuine antisemitism.

In a statement posted on her Instagram, Ms Rachel revealed that following her nomination on the "Antisemite of the Year" list, constant attacks by StopAntisemitism and threats towards her and her family forced her to hire security amid false claims that she supported the Palestinian group Hamas.

Ms. Rachel is a preschool teacher who speaks up for starving children in Gaza. That is not antisemitism.

I hope thousands will join me in standing up for her. https://t.co/1UsgDTAaXS

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) December 1, 2025

Beyond the inauguration committee, Mamdani's transition team, one of the largest in recent New York City history with more than 400 volunteer appointees, has also come under intense scrutiny and praise.

The team reflects a broad progressive coalition, including housing justice advocates, labour organisers, civil liberties lawyers and community safety activists. Many appointees are known for pro-Palestine solidarity work and opposition to Israel's genocide in Gaza, including participation in protests and involvement with groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

Supporters say the appointments reflect opposition to genocide and a commitment to human rights, not hostility towards any religious or ethnic group. 

Pro-Israel organisations, including the Anti-Defamation League, have criticised the transition team, claiming that roughly 20 percent of appointees have ties to anti-Zionist activism, while Israeli media outlets have accused Mamdani of taking an anti-Israel stance.

In one case, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, appointed to oversee talent recruitment, resigned after decade-old antisemitic social media posts resurfaced. Da Costa expressed "deep regret", saying the comments no longer reflect her views, which Mamdani accepted.

Defending his appointments, Mamdani has reiterated that diverse political viewpoints, including advocacy for Palestinian rights and opposition to Israeli government violence, are central to the progressive coalition he represents.

As Mamdani prepares to take office, what might have been a routine inauguration announcement has become a flashpoint, exposing deep tensions over Palestine, media framing and the boundaries of acceptable dissent in American public life.