Fury erupts over Mamdani parade invite as old Columbus insult resurfaces: 'Are you kidding me?'

A decision to invite New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to Manhattan's annual Columbus Day Parade has sparked backlash among some Italian-American leaders.

Crispi's criticism was a reference to a 2020 social media post where Mamdani posted a photo of himself brandishing his middle finger at a statue of Columbus with the caption "take it down." Columbus holds a near-legendary status among Italian Americans, with the 15th-century explorer viewed by many as a historic link between their heritage and the United States.

"We feel cooperating is always the better path . . . and we hope to create a good relationship with his office," Columbus Citizens Foundation president Christopher Loiacono told the New York Post when asked about his decision to invite Mamdani. "We hope he will be more open to [working] with the Italian community."

It is unclear if Mamdani has accepted the invitation to the parade. Columbus Day falls on Monday, Oct. 12, with New York City's annual Columbus Day Parade set for Manhattan.

Nonetheless, Mamdani has moved to update the map to include Little Italy.

Some non-Italians are offended on behalf of the community.

"The Italians need to step up and stop this!" he added.

Crispi has threatened to hold a competing Columbus Day parade next year if the Columbus Citizens Foundation does not revoke its invitation to the mayor.

The Mayor's office and the Columbus Citizens Foundation did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Monday.