'Orange Is the New Black' Actress Dascha Polanco Accused of Assaulting Teen
On Thursday, Dascha Polanco, 33, who plays the role of Dayanara Diaz on Orange Is the New Black, was arraigned on assault, attempted assault and harassent charges in Manhattan Criminal Court.
According to Page Six, Polanco allegedly assaulted 17-year old Michelle Cardona at her home, causing "bruising and redness to her face, scratches to her arm, and substantial pain." According to court papers, Cardona alleges that Polanco punched her "about the face and head with a closed fist at least three times." Polanco also allegedly pulled the girl's hair and hit her arm in the July 19 incident. According to the New York Daily News, police issued the actress a desk appearance ticket at the time.
However, Polanco's lawyer is shooting down the claims. “It’s a setup to try to get money and it was tape-recorded,” her defense lawyer Gerald Lefcourt said. “This young woman was trying to extort her to drop the case. We’re confident the charges will be dismissed.”
Yesterday, a Manhattan judge released Polanco without bail and ordered her to stay away from Cardona. The relationship between Polanco and Cardona is not clear.
This whole situation is very unfortunate, and sounds like a family dispute. Yesterday was Polanco's birthday.
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