In a controversy that has stirred discussions on cultural identity and political rhetoric, Texas Congressman Brandon Gill found himself at the center of a heated debate after mocking New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for a video showing him eating rice with his hands.
The video, originally recorded in 2023, features Mamdani, the first Muslim nominee from the Democratic Party for New York City's mayoral race, eating rice with his hands while reflecting on his upbringing in Uganda and South Africa and its influence on his political views, including his support for Palestine. The footage went viral on the social media platform X, sparking a wave of reactions.
Brandon Gill, a freshman Republican Congressman from Texas, reposted the video with a sharp and controversial comment: “Civilised people in America don’t eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World.” This statement was met with swift condemnation, with many users labeling it as racist and culturally insensitive.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gill’s Indian-origin wife, Danielle D’Souza Gill, publicly defended her husband’s remarks, distancing herself from traditional Indian eating customs. In a post on X dated June 30, 2025, she wrote, “I did not grow up eating rice with my hands and have always used a fork. I was born in America. I’m a Christian MAGA patriot. My father’s extended family lives in India, and they are also Christian and they use forks too. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Danielle’s response sparked further debate, with critics accusing both her and her husband of cultural insensitivity and trying to deflect from more substantive political discussions by focusing on eating habits. Social media users pointed out the irony of the situation, given Danielle’s Indian heritage, particularly highlighting that eating with hands is a widespread practice in many Indian communities, including South India.
Some users reminded Gill that his wife is South Indian and likely grew up with the custom of eating rice with hands, questioning the intent behind his derogatory remarks. Old photographs surfaced online showing Danielle’s father, the well-known Indian-origin commentator Dinesh D’Souza, eating with his hands, as well as pictures of Brandon Gill himself eating foods like pizza and hot dogs without utensils. One user sarcastically asked, “How do you eat tacos, french fries, burgers etc? Do you eat Lays with a fork too?” while another posted a photo of Dinesh D’Souza eating with his hands, captioned, “Hello Civilised person from America.”
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate who recently secured a major upset by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primaries, has been known for embracing his cultural roots in his campaign. His platform often includes unapologetically cultural elements, such as Bollywood-themed content and a strong social media presence that resonates with diverse communities in New York City.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani has not directly responded to the controversy surrounding the eating habits video. However, the incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions in American politics where cultural identity, immigration, and assimilation often become flashpoints in broader political battles.
Further complicating the political landscape, reports have emerged that former President Donald Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani, should he become mayor, fails to align with certain political expectations. This underscores the high stakes of the mayoral race and the polarized environment in which candidates like Mamdani operate.
The episode also raises questions about the role of cultural practices in political discourse. What does it mean to be "civilized" in America? Is adherence to certain customs a prerequisite for acceptance? These questions resonate far beyond the immediate controversy, touching on issues of identity, belonging, and respect in a multicultural society.
Brandon Gill’s remarks and Danielle D’Souza Gill’s defense of him have been criticized for reducing a rich cultural tradition to a matter of utensils and manners, ignoring the diversity of American cultural expressions. Critics argue that such comments distract from important policy debates and alienate communities whose traditions differ from mainstream Western norms.
Moreover, the public nature of the dispute, amplified by social media’s rapid spread of information and opinion, illustrates how personal and cultural identities are increasingly intertwined with political narratives. The fact that Danielle D’Souza Gill is the daughter of Dinesh D’Souza, a prominent conservative commentator, adds another layer to the conversation, highlighting how family backgrounds influence public perceptions and political messaging.
As the New York mayoral race continues to attract national attention, the episode serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play when cultural heritage, political allegiance, and public discourse collide. Whether this controversy will have lasting effects on the campaigns involved remains to be seen, but it certainly has sparked a broader conversation about respect, assimilation, and the diversity of American life.
In the end, the debate over eating with hands versus utensils is more than just about table manners—it’s a symbol of the ongoing negotiation over identity and acceptance in a nation built on immigration and cultural plurality.
