New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced some backlash on Monday after attempting to explain rising rates of rape within his city, as he said it was due in part to an expanded definition of what constitutes rape.During an interview with PIX11 News, reporter Dan Mannarino asked Mamdani about New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin's concerns over rape and felony assault numbers within the city.Mamdani maintained that the NYPD has reported among the lowest numbers of murders and shootings in its recorded history and suggested that the rape statistics need to be contextualized.ZOHRAN MAMDANI PRAISED FOR 'FANTASTIC' QUESTION-DODGING ON PRESIDENTIAL ELIGIBILITYNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended the crime rates in his city compared to 2025.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)"And what I think is important to know is a lot of the increase in rape also comes from an expanded definition of what counts as rape, as well as survivors coming forward for acts that took place years prior," Mamdani said.
"And we are thankful for them coming forward, the courage and the bravery it takes, but just to provide New Yorkers with that context."Mamdani's comments on the "expanded definition of what counts as rape" surprised some of his critics.While Mamdani's defenders online said he was merely providing context and wasn't downplaying the seriousness of the crime, others called out what they viewed as his dismissal of the upswing. Democratic New York City Council member Susan Zhuang commented on the clip on X."Expanding the legal definition of rape was an important step toward recognizing more survivors under the law.
But it should never be used to deflect from the responsibility to reduce sexual violence.Survivors deserve leadership, action, accountability, and justice.
They don’t deserve deflection," he wrote."HOW did women vote for this guy?" women's activist Riley Gaines wrote.MAMDANI SAYS IT'S TIME TO 'BRING THIS CHAPTER TO A CLOSE' AFTER PLATNER CAMPAIGN COLLAPSERepublican Texas Re...