Bezos Criticizes Mayor Over Video Targeting Billionaire Griffin

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should not have filmed a video outside billionaire Ken Griffin's Manhattan apartment while promoting a proposed tax on luxury second homes. Bezos told CNBC that Griffin is not a villain and has not hurt New York. He said the video was unnecessary and that policy debates should not include finger-pointing.

Bezos said he had no objection to the policy itself.

He described a debate over a tax on properties worth more than $5 million as legitimate. The mayor posted the video on April 15. It showed Griffin's $238 million penthouse and highlighted how the tax would affect owners who do not live full-time in the city.

Bezos also criticized city spending on public schools. He said the city spends about $44,000 per student, 30 percent more than other major cities, while test results remain mediocre and enrollment has fallen. He added that heavy regulation of housing has contributed to higher rents.

Bezos said the issue stems from government policy and can be addressed. Griffin called the video creepy and said it influenced Citadel's decision to expand operations in Florida rather than New York. He also said the company may cancel a planned $6 billion development on Park Avenue.

City Hall did not respond to a request for comment.