A New York City taxi driver, whose vehicle was destroyed by jubilant Knicks fans following their NBA Finals win, has received a significant boost from an unexpected source: rap star French Montana. The musician helped to organise a GoFundMe campaign that quickly exceeded its fundraising goal, providing crucial support for the driver.
The New York Knicks secured their first title in 53 years on 13th June, triumphing 94-90 in game five of the series. This historic victory sparked widespread celebrations across the city's five boroughs, with fans taking to the streets, climbing on vehicles, setting off fireworks, and chanting in unison. Amidst the revelry, one particular incident involving a yellow taxi cab garnered significant attention online.
Viral footage circulating on X showed a group of fans jumping on top of and even entering a taxi, leaving the driver, Noureddine Bitat, observing the chaos with apparent disbelief. The post accompanying the video highlighted Mr Bitat's predicament, stating he was 'left speechless and can no longer make a living after Knicks fans destroyed his car.' The clip amassed over six million views and caught the attention of French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch.
The 41-year-old 'Unforgettable' singer promptly responded to the footage, writing: 'Somebody find him for me so we can help him get back on his feet.' True to his word, Montana subsequently collaborated with his friend Zachery Dereniowski and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, a labour union of which Mr Bitat is a member, to launch a GoFundMe page.
By 16th June, the campaign had significantly surpassed its initial target of $25,000, raising over $36,000 (approximately £28,000). The description on the GoFundMe page detailed the extent of the damage and Mr Bitat's ordeal, explaining how his life was 'turned upside down' as his cab was 'vandalised' and he was 'reportedly assaulted and dragged from his vehicle by a crowd.' Photos on the page clearly showed the cab's front windshield completely shattered.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the city's long wait for the Knicks' success, stating, 'For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment... This city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience and heart.' A formal ticker-tape parade is scheduled to take place later this week in Lower Manhattan to further commemorate the team's achievement.