reuters-16
The annual Inner Circle Dinner, a long-running New York political roast event known for its satirical takes on city leadership, drew renewed attention this year after a skit involving Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa sparked discussion among attendees and listeners.
The segment, which appeared during the final portion of the show, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night as clips and reactions circulated afterward. While the Inner Circle is known for political humor and staged performances, this year’s skit prompted particularly strong reactions inside the room.
Some attendees questioned the tone and execution of the segment, with discussion on air suggesting confusion over its purpose and messaging. Others framed it as part of the long tradition of political satire that defines the Inner Circle format.
77 WABC owner and operator John Catsimatidis, who attended the dinner, described the immediate reaction inside the room.
“Everybody had their mouths open.”
He added that the moment involving Curtis Sliwa and Mamdani stood out sharply during the program.
Catsimatidis also noted broader political frustration discussed during the conversation surrounding Curtis Sliwa’s appearance and positioning:
“It seems like Curtis has no… loyalty.”
“He was never really a Republican.”
Radio host, Sid Rosenberg further connected the discussion to broader political alignment tensions:
“If you’re a Trump guy, and you’re a Curtis guy, you’re not helping the Republican party. You’re hurting us.”
The event once again highlighted how the Inner Circle Dinner blends satire, politics, and media personalities into a single stage, often producing reactions that extend well beyond the room itself.
