A New York City taxi driver who lost his livelihood when celebrating basketball fans destroyed his vehicle is receiving support from an unexpected source: rapper French Montana, who is spearheading efforts to help the devastated worker get back on the road.
Noureddine Bitat, a 59-year-old cab driver, watched helplessly Saturday night as jubilant Knicks fans climbed atop his taxi during celebrations of the team's NBA Championship victory. Video footage circulating on social media captured the heartbreaking moment, showing Bitat standing in stunned silence beside his wrecked vehicle while revelers continued their celebration oblivious to the destruction they were causing.
The viral video prompted French Montana to take action. The rapper shared the footage on X and urged his followers to help locate Bitat, expressing concern for the driver's situation. The vehicle represents more than just property damage for Bitat—it is his primary means of supporting his family in Algeria.
French Montana enlisted the help of Zachery Dereniowski, and together they partnered with the New York Taxi Workers Alliance to establish a GoFundMe campaign for the displaced driver. The fundraising effort has set a goal of $25,000 to help Bitat recover from his losses and return to work.
The incident highlights the collateral damage that can occur during large-scale public celebrations. While the Knicks' championship victory marked a historic moment for the franchise and its fans, the celebration came at a significant personal cost to at least one working New Yorker whose taxi served as an impromptu platform for revelers.
The fundraising campaign underscores the financial vulnerability faced by independent taxi drivers, many of whom rely entirely on their vehicles for income. For Bitat, the destruction of his cab represents not just the loss of property, but the immediate elimination of his ability to earn a living and provide for his family overseas.
The New York Taxi Workers Alliance's involvement in the relief effort reflects the organization's ongoing advocacy for drivers who face various challenges in an increasingly competitive transportation landscape. The alliance has historically worked to protect the interests of taxi workers navigating economic pressures and safety concerns.
As the fundraising campaign gains traction, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible celebration and the real-world consequences that can result when enthusiasm crosses into destructive behavior. For Noureddine Bitat, community support may prove essential in helping him rebuild his livelihood following an evening that brought joy to many but devastation to his family's financial security.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
