Jonathan Kaye Steps Down After Controversial Assault Video Surfaces
A high-profile investment banker has resigned following the release of a video showing him punching a Black woman during a Pride event in New York City. Jonathan Kaye, formerly head of the global business services franchise at Moelis & Company, stepped down amid widespread scrutiny and public outrage.
Melissa Chiles, a spokesperson for Moelis & Company, confirmed the resignation in an email to The Independent, stating, “Jonathan Kaye has resigned and is no longer with the firm.” As of Monday, Kaye’s profile was removed from the company’s website.
The incident
Earlier this month, a video captured Kaye striking a woman in the face, causing her to collapse to the ground in front of a crowd at the Brooklyn Pride event in Park Slope. In the footage, Kaye can be heard claiming that the woman, who remains unidentified, “threw s*** all over me.” The 38-year-old woman later reported to police that the assault left her with a broken nose, lacerations, and a black eye. Reports suggest that the altercation may have stemmed from a heated exchange about the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Accusations of antisemitism
The video, which quickly went viral, shows Kaye engaging with what he described as an “anti-Israel woman” who allegedly hurled “antisemitic” slurs at him. A spokesperson for Kaye asserted that he was “in fear for his physical safety when he was surrounded by an angry mob of agitators who encircled him, physically assaulted him, and threw unknown liquids on him.” The spokesperson added, “He could not identify any of these individuals and was left bloodied from the attack. Given the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, any Jewish person in this situation would naturally feel threatened and feel the need to defend themselves and return safely to their family.”
Police investigation
Following the video’s release, Kaye was placed on leave by Moelis & Company, as reported by the New York Post. The New York City Police Department confirmed last week that it had opened an investigation into Kaye after receiving an official complaint of assault from the woman involved.
Background and career
Before his tenure at Moelis & Company, Jonathan Kaye held a position as managing director of the Global Mergers & Acquisitions Group at CitiBank. He resides in a $4 million home in Park Slope, holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, and graduated cum laude from Duke University School of Law.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked discussions on social media and among community leaders about violence, antisemitism, and the responsibilities of public figures in high-stress situations.
