“The Real Housewives of New York City” cast member Bethenny Frankel said she was involved in a random attack on the streets of Manhattan as other women posted similar stories on social media.
Frankel responded to fashion design student Mikayla Toninato, who had shared her experience of being “punched in the face” via TikTok, per Page Six.
“This is insane bc this happened to me a few months ago but I was embarrassed to say,” the 53-year-old reality star shared in a comment on Tuesday, which has since been deleted. “I was on the UWS [Upper West Side]. Insane. I was taking video of a bakery.”
Dozens of women have reported similar unprovoked punching attacks in Manhattan. TikTok influencer Halley Kate shared her story on Monday. “You guys, I was literally just walking, and a man came up and punched me in the face,” she said while crying and showing her bruised face. “Oh my God, it’s so bad. I can’t even talk.”
The incidents are allegedly related to a trend called the “knockout game,” which involves participants assaulting random strangers for no reason.
NYPD addressed the incidents with a post on X.
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“The NYPD is aware of a viral video circulating on social media depicting a woman who was randomly assaulted in an unprovoked attack,” the update shared on Wednesday said. “The individual has been arrested and charged and is a criminal recidivist with an extensive criminal record.”
“Your NYPD detectives were able to identify the man after he was previously arrested for similar attacks, only to be released back onto our streets. This incident will be his third arrest in the past six months,” the post continued. “Your officers will continue to remain resilient in their efforts to stop violent criminals, ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Several commenters voiced their frustration over offenders being released and committing crimes again.
One reply said, “here fixed it for you, ‘Your officers will continue to remain resilient in their efforts to stop violent criminals, ensure they have actually committed the accused crimes, then immediately release them back onto the streets to re-offend.’”