Curtis Silwa and Zohran Mamdani/Image: Getty Images

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared alongside former Republican rival Curtis Sliwa in a comedy sketch at the Inner Circle charity gala over the weekend, drawing criticism from some within the Republican Party.The staged parody, part of the long-running Inner Circle musical sketch show, featured Mamdani in a pre-recorded segment undergoing allergy treatment so he could adopt a cat. Sliwa, appeared as a doctor administering the medication, playing on his well-known fondness for cats.The appearance marked a rare moment of humour between the two figures, who were opponents in the 2025 mayoral election. The cat-themed sketch leaned into their public personas, blending Mamdani’s storyline with Sliwa’s long-standing association with feline advocacy.However, Sliwa’s participation triggered backlash from some Republican figures and party insiders. Critics accused him of aligning with a political rival and questioned his loyalty to the party.According to a report by the New York Post, some Republican operatives expressed anger over the collaboration, with one accusing Sliwa of “betraying” the party. Former New York Governor David Paterson also criticised the move, calling it inappropriate.The controversy has added to existing tensions around Sliwa’s political positioning, with some critics continuing to link his actions during the mayoral race to Mamdani’s victory.Despite the criticism, the sketch was part of a charity event known for political satire, where public figures across party lines often participate in light-hearted performances.