French Montana put real money behind his words. The rapper wrote a $75,000 check to Noureddine Bitat, the New York cab driver whose taxi got destroyed during the Knicks title celebration earlier this year.
French shared the news on CBS Mornings Thursday, explaining that the 59-year-old Algerian immigrant needed help covering at least six months of living expenses while rebuilding his life. The gesture came after the footage of Bitat watching his livelihood get torn apart by rioting fans went viral.
What struck French most was that French Montana knows this story from his own family history. His father drove a cab after immigrating to America, which made watching Noureddine’s situation unfold hit different. French said the experience left the cabbie so traumatized that he’s stepped away from driving entirely, needing time to figure out what comes next.
French’s personal donation became part of something bigger. He sent the video to influencer Zachery Dereniowski, who connected with the New York Taxi Workers Alliance to launch a GoFundMe campaign. That fundraiser has already surpassed its $75,000 goal, and Bitat is receiving the support.
It’s a reminder that sometimes a viral moment of destruction can spark something restorative, especially when people with platforms choose to act on their conscience.
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