Bethenny Frankel, a former star of the reality TV show “Real Housewives of New York City,” recently revealed that she was a victim of random assault in New York City earlier this year. In a deleted comment on a TikTok video posted by a fashion design student named Mikayla Toninato sharing her own experience of being attacked, Frankel disclosed that she was punched while on the Upper West Side. This admission came amidst a surge of similar stories shared by over 25 women on the video-sharing app about being assaulted in broad daylight in the city.
One such victim of assault was influencer Halley Kate, who has a large following on TikTok. She posted a video showing a significant bump on her forehead after being punched in the face while walking. In a subsequent post, Kate gave a closer look at her injury, describing it as a “devil horn.” The incident was confirmed by the NYPD, who reported that a 23-year-old woman was assaulted on West 16th Street and 7th Avenue at 10:20 a.m. Kate was treated for injuries to the left side of her face at a medical facility.
The police noted that it was uncertain whether the various assaults reported on TikTok were linked. However, these attacks resemble a disturbing trend in NYC known as the “knockout game,” where young people challenge each other to sucker punch strangers. This trend has raised concerns about the safety of individuals in the city, especially during daylight hours. Frankel did not disclose the extent of her injuries from the assault she experienced on the Upper West Side.
The rise in these random attacks has become a cause for alarm among residents and visitors in NYC, with many sharing their own harrowing experiences online. The prevalence of such violence in public places has sparked discussions about safety measures and the need for increased security in the city. The NYPD’s confirmation of the assaults reported on TikTok highlights the seriousness of these incidents and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of such violence.
As more victims come forward with their stories of assault, there is a growing sense of fear and vulnerability among women in NYC. The unprovoked nature of these attacks has left many questioning their safety when out in public spaces. With social media platforms like TikTok providing a platform for victims to share their experiences, there is hope that awareness can be raised and steps taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The bravery of individuals like Frankel and Kate in speaking out about their assaults is an important step towards addressing the issue of random violence in the city.
