The New York Knicks basketball team has taken legal measures against New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, issuing a cease-and-desist notice over his use of the team's logo in a campaign advertisement. The controversy arose after Mamdani aired a promotional video featuring the Knicks' emblem during the season opener broadcast on Wednesday night, replacing "Knicks" with "Zohran."
Following the team's legal department's intervention, Mamdani promptly removed the contentious ad from all platforms on Friday. The Knicks organization was swift to clarify its stance, stating through a spokesperson that the franchise does not support Mamdani's candidacy and has no association with his campaign. The use of the logo, they expressed, could mislead the public into believing there was an endorsement or affiliation, which the team categorically denies.
The Knicks' prompt legal action reflects the importance of trademark rights and the potential impact of unauthorized commercial use on brand integrity. The cease-and-desist letter, as reported by the New York Post, emphasized the likelihood of public confusion over the campaign's affiliation with the basketball team.
Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, has been a polarizing figure in New York politics due to his far-left policy positions and criticism of law enforcement. The legal scuffle with the Knicks adds to the growing scrutiny of his campaign practices as the city's election nears.
James Dolan, the billionaire owner of the Knicks, has not publicly commented on the mayoral race but has previously shown opposition to far-left political figures in New York. Dolan has expressed support for independent candidate Diana Florence in her bid against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg earlier this year.
Despite the legal and ethical questions surrounding his campaign, Mamdani remains a leading contender in the race. According to a recent Patriot Polling survey, which has a record of accurate predictions, Mamdani holds 43 percent of the vote, with former Governor Andrew Cuomo trailing by nine points and Curtis Sliwa capturing 19 percent support.
As early voting gets underway, the incident with the Knicks spotlights the challenges Mamdani faces in balancing his assertive campaign tactics with legal and ethical boundaries. The mayoral race continues to evolve, with Mamdani at the forefront despite controversies.
