French Montana has stepped up to support a New York taxi driver whose vehicle was severely damaged amid chaotic street celebrations following the New York Knicks’ historic NBA championship win.
The incident took place on June 11, 2026, during wild festivities after the Knicks’ Game 4 victory in the NBA Finals, which helped propel the franchise to its first title in over 50 years. Noureddine Bitat, a 59-year-old Algerian immigrant and yellow cab driver, was heading home to Queens after a long shift when fans swarmed his leased 2026 Toyota Sienna wheelchair-accessible taxi near 7th Avenue and 36th Street by Madison Square Garden.
Viral videos captured fans opening the doors and trunk, dragging Bitat from the vehicle, assaulting him and damaging the cab by stomping on the roof and hood, shattering the windshield and meter, and denting the body. The driver, who has been operating the leased cab for roughly two years to support his family, was left unable to work and described the event as “very traumatic.”
As the footage spread rapidly on social media, French Montana (born Karim Kharbouch) reposted the clip on X and Instagram with a direct call for help. “Somebody find him for me so we can help him get back on his feet,” the Coke Boys rapper wrote, later following up to urge his followers to locate the driver.
Bitat was quickly identified with assistance from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA), of which he is a member. Montana connected with influencer Zachery Dereniowski (MD Motivator) and the union to launch a GoFundMe campaign titled “Let’s Change Noureddine’s Life ❤️.” The fundraiser, initially aiming for $25,000 to cover repairs, lost wages, medical support and getting Bitat back on the road, surpassed its goal in under 24 hours, raising more than $26,800 from over 619 donors and continuing to climb.
The NYTWA is also assisting Bitat with workers’ compensation, medical care and trauma support. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the damage to the cab as part of broader unrest that night, which included dozens of arrests and injuries to police officers.
French Montana’s swift response has been widely praised as a stand-up move from the longtime Knicks supporter, who earlier this year collaborated with Max B and Remy Ma on a Knicks-themed remix. The story highlights both the joy of the championship and the need for accountability amid some fans’ destructive celebrations. The GoFundMe remains active.
