The Under Report: Lesbians Beaten Up By Cops in Crown Heights
According to a report, two lesbians were allegedly beaten in front of a nightclub on Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights. Jeannette Grey and Tiffany Jimenez are alleging that NYPD officers used excessive force and hateful speech when they encountered the women outside of Ife Lounge on May 16. From WPIX:
For its part, the New York City police department issued a statement, saying it responded to a call regarding a group of unruly and intoxicated people who were fighting with each other outside of the club. The statement goes on to say that Tiffany Jimenez, 19, one of the two women arrested, was so intoxicated she was rushed to the hospital.
An email written by Ms. Grey has circulated through various Brooklyn email lists, describing the incident from their perspective, though details are hazy.
This crime wasn’t about me or about the other female involved. As I laid there and I felt the night sticks hit me, I thought of Martin Luther King, and what he had to endure just for us to have the freedoms we do today. I immediately relaxed my body, put my arms up where they can see I wasn’t resisting, and screamed at the top of my lungs for someone to hit record on there camera.
The women are seeking any video or photographic footage that may have captured the incident, and have filed civilian complaints. The NYPD says it is investigating internally.
This comes just in advance of Gay Pride celebrations. On Thursday, Borough President Marty Markowitz is scheduled to honor outstanding members of the LGBT community.
