• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s newly sworn-in mayor, faced protests outside Gracie Mansion on Friday after the latest tranche of Jeffrey Epstein-related records released by the US Department of Justice mentioned his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair. Videos circulating on social media showed a group of residents and self-described Mamdani supporters gathered outside the mayor’s official residence, shouting “shame” through a megaphone.

Some protesters accused Mamdani of misleading voters during the mayoral campaign by not addressing questions about his mother’s name appearing in the Epstein files. “We advocated for you. We voted for you. We know about your mom,” one protester was heard saying. Others repeatedly shouted, “You lied,” as police monitored the demonstration from a distance.

Epstein Files Spark Fresh Scrutiny

The protest followed the release of more than three million additional pages of Epstein-related records by the Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The legislation was signed into law by President Donald Trump on November 19, 2025, mandating the public disclosure of remaining federal records linked to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.

The latest release includes over 2,000 videos and approximately 180,000 images, bringing the total number of pages made public to nearly 3.5 million. 

Email Mentions Mira Nair At 2009 Event

Among the documents is an email referencing a 2009 social event hosted at the New York townhouse of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who was later convicted on sex trafficking charges. The email states that Mira Nair attended an “after party” following a film screening at Maxwell’s residence.

The message also mentions the presence of several high-profile figures, including former US president Bill Clinton and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. “Just left Ghislaine’s townhouse… after party for film. Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there… Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair,” the email reads, along with commentary on the film’s reception.

ALSO READ: 'Usual Tactics To...': India Rejects Pakistan’s Claims Over Balochistan Violence, Asks Islamabad To Address Human Rights Abuses

No Allegations, But Political Fallout

While the email does not name the film, it appears to refer to Amelia (2009), Nair’s biographical movie on aviator Amelia Earhart starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere. The records do not allege any criminal wrongdoing by Nair.

However, the mention has fueled public backlash against Mamdani amid heightened sensitivity around Epstein-related associations. Mamdani, who assumed office on January 1 after defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, has not yet publicly responded to the protest or the renewed scrutiny.

ALSO READ: No Money For Chabahar: India Drops Iranian Port Funding From Budget As US-Iran Sanctions Tighten


Also In News