FORMER NEW YORK City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be a primetime speaker at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, despite his support and defense of a discredited New York Police Department program that systematically spied on American Muslims in their neighborhoods and places of worship during his tenure.

In interviews with The Intercept, Muslim attendees decried Bloomberg's starring role at the convention, but numerous Democratic officials and lawmakers refused to condemn Bloomberg's policies towards Muslims and expressed their delight at his appearance.

The Clinton campaign reached out to Bloomberg about a speaking role several weeks ago but the announcement didn't become public until late last week, after the former mayor and billionaire businessman publicly endorsed the Democratic nominee.