Bethenny Frankel claims she was randomly attacked in NYC as multiple women speak out about similar incidents

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bethenny Frankel shared that she was attacked by a random man on the streets of New York City while making a video. 

In a comments section of a TikTok video shared by fashion design student Mikayla Toninato on being attacked on her way home, the TV personality wrote, "This is insane [because] this happened to me a few months ago but I was embarrassed to say." 

The 53-year-old added, "I was on the UWS [Upper West Side]. Insane. I was taking a video of a bakery."

Even though Frankel later deleted her comment, the screenshot of it went viral on the Internet, as per Page Six.

NYPD arrests man after influencer's video on falling victim to the 'NYC punching trend' goes viral

Frankel is among several others who have fallen victim to what has been dubbed the "NYC punching trend." 

On Monday, March 25, Halley Kate, who has over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, shared via video, "You guys, I was literally just walking, and a man came up and punched me in the face. Oh my God, it’s so bad. I can’t even talk."

The New York Police Department made an arrest on Wednesday night, March 27, who may have been involved in at least one attack.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the authorities noted, "The NYPD is aware of a viral video circulating on social media depicting a woman who was randomly assaulted in an unprovoked attack. The individual has been arrested and charged and is a criminal recidivist with an extensive criminal record."

They further said, "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. Your officers will continue to remain resilient in their efforts to stop violent criminals, ensuring the safety of our communities."

Internet reacts to Bethenny Frankel opening up about her attack

One said, "This is exactly why i couldn’t walk around in any city let alone NYC without a bodyguard if i had even a morsel of fame. these streets are deadly." 

Another remarked, "It’s not that I don’t believe this happened to her I’m just shocked she had willpower to not post about it on socials after."

"That's horrible. No one deserves assault. Sorry you experienced that. Sending love," noted a person, and someone else shared, "My friend’s 16yr. daughter, on her way to school to catch the train, was randomly punched in the face. Please be vigilant & aware of your surroundings."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.