Did Sabrina Carpenter Accidentally Help Zohran Mamdani Become NYC’s First Muslim Mayor?

Zohran Mamdani has made history after winning the New York City mayoral election. The 34-year-old progressive lawmaker defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in an underdog victory. Mamdani is set to become NYC’s first Muslim, South Asian mayor when he is sworn in on January 1, 2026.

But in a viral twist, pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s name has been unexpectedly linked to Mamdani’s victory. Social media users believe the “Espresso” singer may have inadvertently set off a chain of events that reshaped New York politics.

How Sabrina Carpenter Got Pulled Into the Zohran Mamdani Story

The theory circulating online traces back to Carpenter’s 2023 music video for her song “Feather.” It was filmed inside and outside the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The video’s provocative imagery—featuring Carpenter in a revealing black dress and veil—sparked backlash among church officials and members of the Catholic community.

Following the backlash, the Diocese of Brooklyn expressed outrage, and Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello was stripped of his duties for allowing the filming. According to reports from outlets like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly, this controversy drew federal attention to the church’s dealings, including those involving Gigantiello and then-mayor Eric Adams’ associates.

Investigations into alleged financial irregularities between Gigantiello and Adams’ office led to a wider corruption probe. By September 2024, Adams was indicted on bribery and corruption charges. Although he later pleaded not guilty and the charges were dropped in April 2025, his image suffered greatly. Adams withdrew from the mayoral race a month before Election Day, narrowing the field to Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa.

With Adams out, the vote split that might have weakened Mamdani’s campaign never materialized. Many online now joke that Carpenter’s “Feather” video indirectly helped elect New York’s first Muslim mayor.

Social Media Theories and Viral Reactions

The “Sabrina Carpenter to Muslim mayor pipeline” meme exploded on X and Reddit after Mamdani’s win. One post read, “If Sabrina Carpenter didn’t film that video which led to a church investigation and Eric Adams’ indictment, Mamdani wouldn’t be mayor-elect right now.”

Another user added, “Thinking about how Sabrina Carpenter may have inadvertently been the catalyst for Zohran getting elected.” While fans are treating it humorously, the overlap of pop culture and politics has intrigued millions online.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the viral jokes, there’s no verified evidence linking Carpenter’s video to Mamdani’s victory. Still, the series of coincidental events—from a music video controversy to a federal indictment—paints an unusual timeline. For Mamdani, his grassroots campaign focused on inequality, housing reform, and anti-corruption resonated with voters seeking change.

Whether or not Sabrina Carpenter played any role, directly or not, one fact remains: Zohran Mamdani’s victory marks a historic shift in New York City’s leadership and political direction.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Did Sabrina Carpenter actually cause Eric Adams’ indictment?

No. While her video sparked a church controversy that coincided with investigations into Adams, there is no direct evidence connecting the two.

Q2: Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani is a 34-year-old New York politician known for his progressive stance on social justice, housing, and inequality. He will be NYC’s first Muslim, South Asian mayor.

Q3: What was Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” video controversy?

The music video was filmed inside a Brooklyn church, leading to backlash from the Catholic Diocese and disciplinary action against a priest.

Q4: Why did Eric Adams drop out of the race?

After being indicted in 2024 on federal charges, Adams’ reputation suffered. He withdrew from the 2025 race, citing ongoing media speculation.

Q5: When will Zohran Mamdani take office?

Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City mayor on January 1, 2026.