A lawsuit has been filed against the City of New York and several unnamed police officers, alleging violations of constitutional rights. The complaint, filed on Nov. 15, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, was brought by Princess Williams, who claims she was subjected to excessive force and sexual assault by members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on August 26, 2023.
According to the complaint, Williams was attending a community event at the Langston Hughes NYC Housing Authority Project when several NYPD officers suddenly accosted her.
She describes being violently grabbed, despite not having committed any crime. “Why are you grabbing me?” she reportedly asked as she was pushed against a wall and had her clothing forcibly removed in front of a crowd.
The officers then allegedly handcuffed her and touched her inappropriately while she was unable to defend herself.
Williams asserts that the officers' actions amounted to excessive force, false arrest, cruel and unusual punishment, and sexual battery.
Her complaint outlines multiple claims against both individual officers–referred to as John/Jane Doe–and the City of New York for its role in enabling such conduct through inadequate training and supervision.
Williams seeks compensatory damages for physical injuries, including bruises and abrasions on her wrists and knees. She is also seeking damages for emotional distress, including fear, embarrassment, and humiliation. In addition, Williams is pursuing punitive damages and attorney fees.
Representing the plaintiff is attorney Evan Brustein from Brustein Law PLLC. Case I.D. 24-CV-7973.