The brutal beating of Filipino American journalist, Randy Gener, has taken a strange turn since initial investigations that the assault was a hate crime against the openly gay author.
DNAinfo New York has reported that according to a criminal complaint filed with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, the fight may have escalated because Gener kicked the suspect’s female companion.
The complaint says Gener escalated the incident by lashing out at a woman who bumped into him on the street. Gener allegedly kicked her in the chest after she threw her purse at his head. Suspect, Leighton Jennings, 24, saw the altercation from his nearby car and, according to the complaint, engaged in a brawl with Gener which resulted in a knockout punch that left Gener with brain injuries.
Gener is an award-winning journalist who covers the New York performing arts scene. He has worked for the New York Daily News, the New York Times, The Village Voice, and NPR. He is currently in stable condition after undergoing brain surgery. Money is being raised through a fundraising site to help pay for his medical bills.
