Times of London Withdraws Article After Fake De Blasio Quotes on NYC Mayoral Race

The Times of London published and subsequently removed a fabricated article falsely attributing critical quotes about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to former mayor Bill de Blasio. De Blasio, a known supporter of Mamdani, publicly refuted the quotes, calling the story "entirely false and fabricated" and condemning the newspaper for violating journalistic ethics. The impersonator's fabricated quotes criticized Mamdani's policy proposals, including their cost and political feasibility. After the deception was revealed, the Times apologized to de Blasio and removed the article, acknowledging their reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former mayor. The incident occurred amid a heated mayoral race where Mamdani has faced attacks from opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, some of which have been framed as Islamophobic. The Times has also been noted for defending Mamdani against these attacks, highlighting accusations of Islamophobia when his opponents criticize his background or policies.