New York mayor hopeful Malcolm Smith took offense to rapper Lil Wayne saying he didn’t like New York. Wayne, 29, made the snarky remark in a MTV interview that was published on MTV.com.

Smith spoke out in defense of the Big Apple, according to Page Six.

“I take strong exception to the words ‘I don’t like New York,’ ” said the ex-Senate majority leader in a Times Square news conference yesterday.

Smith continued: “If you don’t like New York, you don’t have to come to New York, you don’t have to sell your products here, and perhaps we won’t come to your concerts.”

Mr. Smith should take care to remember that this great country was founded on the principles that even a gremlin has the right to express his opinions.

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