Jonathan Kaye, a senior banker at Moelis in New York, resigned last week after a video of him punching a woman went viral. The incident led to assault charges being brought against Kaye. His lawyer claimed that Kaye was defending himself from people who attacked him and used antisemitic slurs.
The video, taken at a Brooklyn Pride event, shows Kaye punching a woman and walking away after she falls to the ground. Kaye’s lawyer stated that Kaye was “terrorized” by people pouring unknown liquids on him, shoving him, and yelling antisemitic slurs.
Kaye turned himself in to the police and is expected to be arraigned by the end of the day. His lawyer has expressed plans to vigorously fight the charges and seek a full vindication for Kaye. Kaye had been working as a managing director at Moelis, leading the global business-services franchise, before resigning in the midst of the investigation.
Moelis has not yet commented on the situation. Regardless, Kaye’s lawyer emphasized that he felt threatened and needed to defend himself due to the increase in antisemitic incidents. The spokesperson for Kaye expressed that his actions were in response to being physically assaulted and targeted with antisemitic slurs.