The investment banker, Jonathan Kaye, who allegedly punched a woman at a Brooklyn Pride event last month, surrendered to the police on Monday. He faces charges of assault, menacing, and harassment in connection to the incident that was captured on camera, causing the victim to fall on a Park Slope street on June 8.
After the video of the attack went viral, Kaye turned himself in following the distribution of leaflets with his photos in the Park Slope neighborhood where he resides with his family in a $4 million townhouse.
Kaye, who was placed on leave from his job at Moelis & Co. investment bank, resigned from his position last week.
He avoided questions from reporters as he left the police precinct, dressed in casual attire and a face mask. Later, as he exited Brooklyn Criminal Court, Kaye was confronted by protesters who heckled him and accused him of being a wife beater.
His attorney, Danya Perry, defended Kaye’s actions as self-defense, stating that he was attacked by violent protesters and acted to protect himself and return home to his family.
The incident occurred when Kaye clashed with members of an anti-Israel LGBTQ group after a Pride event, with sources close to him claiming that he acted in self-defense after being surrounded and doused with liquid.
New video footage of the incident emerged, showing the moments leading up to the alleged assault, where Kaye was provoked and accosted by the group before things turned physical.
Kaye was released without bail at his arraignment, with his attorney expressing hope for a fair consideration of the facts by the District Attorney. Kaye’s next court date is set for August 23.
Additional reporting by Desheania Andrews, Priscilla DeGregory, and Chris Nesi
