Brooklyn councilwoman Inna Vernikov screams ‘what the f***’ as creep kisses her on the cheek during CBS interview
Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov screams “what the f***” as creep kisses her on the cheek during CBS interview
- Vernikov, 38, spoke to CBS New York on Thursday in her constituency, in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn
- A stranger approached her as she spoke to the camera and kissed her on the cheek, laughed and walked away, leaving Vernikov in shock
- Her colleagues on the council β Democrats and Republicans, like her β said they were angry at the man’s actions and expressed support for Vernikov
A New York City councilman was reeling after a man walked past her TV interview and kissed her on the cheek β before exclaiming, “What the f*** was that?!”
Inna Vernikov, 38, was speaking to CBS New York in her constituency β Brighton Beach in Brooklyn β on Thursday when she was interrupted.
You can see the Republican flinching in horror after a passing man kissed her on the cheek and then walked away smiling.
Vernikov, a Ukrainian-born lawyer who grew up in Brooklyn, said the incident was “creepy.” She would not say whether she has reported the assault to the police.
Inna Vernikov, 38, was speaking to CBS New York on Thursday when a stranger kissed her on the cheek
The counselor shrank back in terror, but her attacker laughed and walked away
“Not the kind of love I expect from voters!” she tweeted.
“Very creepy moment.”
She thanked her colleagues for condemning the man’s actions.
Majority Leader Keith Powers said: βVery rude behaviour. I hope my colleague @InnaVernikov is okay.β
Marjorie Velasquez, a Democrat representing the eastern Bronx, offered her condolences to Vernikov.
“This disgusting behavior is unfortunately all too common in women’s everyday lives,” Velasquez said.
βWe must not allow sexual assault to become a normal part of our public interactions.
“I hope @NYPD can track down this assailant and bring justice quickly.”
Erik Bottcher, a Democrat whose district includes the West Village, Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea, said he was saddened by the man’s actions.
“This is totally unacceptable and something that unfortunately women have to deal with far too often,” he said.
Lynn Schulman, a Democrat for Queens, called the incident “abhorrent and disgusting.”
She added: “I hope the attacker is found. Unfortunately, this kind of unacceptable behavior typically happens to women, even in 2023.β
Robert Holden, a Republican representing Queens, said, βThis is not funny at all. It’s amazing how many creeps are on the streets!’
Selvena Brooks-Powers, a Democrat representing Queens, said it was shocking that the man felt he could act with impunity.
“This is dirty and scary!” she said. And the fact that this person was so comfortable kissing a complete stranger while recording is alarming.
“We must expose this behavior and hold such people accountable.”