"Former Obama Official Denies Islamophobic Behavior Amidst Harassment Allegations"

Stuart Seldowitz, former National Security Council chief under President Barack Obama, denied being an "Islamophobic guy" after being identified as the man seen harassing a halal cart vendor on the Upper East Side. In viral videos, Seldowitz is seen making derogatory comments and threats towards the vendor. He offered a half-hearted apology, stating that he regrets his actions and the things he said. The incident has sparked outrage, leading to the lobbying firm Gotham Government Relations cutting ties with Seldowitz. Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and New York Attorney General Letitia James condemned the incident as hateful and unacceptable.