Brooklyn City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov screams “What the heck!” while a creep kisses her on the cheek during a CBS interview
- Vernikov, 31, 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, kissed her on the cheek, then laughed and sauntered off, leaving Vernikov in shock
- Her peers on the council — Democrats and Republicans like her — said they were upset by the man’s actions and expressed support for Vernikov
A New York City councilwoman faltered when a man walked by her TV interview and kissed her on the cheek — before she yelled, “What the hell was that?!”
Inna Vernikov, 38, was speaking to CBS New York in her constituency — the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn — on Thursday when she was interrupted.
The Republican is seen flinching in horror after a passing man kissed her on the cheek and then walked away smiling.
Vernikov, a lawyer born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, said the incident was “creepy.” She did not say whether she reported it to the police as assault.
Inna Vernikov, 38, was speaking to CBS New York on Thursday when a stranger kissed her on the cheek
The councilwoman flinched in horror, but her attacker laughed and walked away
“Not the kind of love I expect from voters!” she tweeted.
“Very scary moment.”
She thanked her colleagues for condemning the man’s actions.
Majority Leader Keith Powers said: “Very rude behavior. I hope my colleague @InnaVernikov is fine.’
Marjorie Velasquez, a Democrat representing the East Bronx, offered her condolences to Vernikov.
“Unfortunately, this disgusting behavior is all too common in everyday life for women,” Velasquez said.
“We must not allow sexual assault to become a normal part of our public interactions.”
“I hope @NYPD can track down this attacker and bring justice quickly.”
Erik Bottcher, a Democrat whose borough includes the West Village, Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea, said he was saddened by the man’s actions.
“This is totally unacceptable and unfortunately something that women have to deal with far too often,” he said.
Lynn Schulman, a Queens Democrat, called the incident “disgusting and abhorrent.”
She added, “I hope the aggressor is found.” Unfortunately, even in 2023, this type of unacceptable behavior is typically seen among women.”
Robert Holden, a Republican representing Queens, said, “It’s not funny at all. It’s amazing how scary the streets are!’
Selvena Brooks-Powers, a Democrat representing Queens, said it was shocking that the man felt he could act with impunity.
“This is disgusting and scary!” she said. “And the fact that this person was so comfortable kissing a total stranger during recording is alarming.”
“We must denounce this behavior and hold such people accountable.”