Photo Credit: Bravo
Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Caroline Manzo has accused Brandi Glanville of sexually assaulting her during a recent television event. The explosive allegation has sent shockwaves through the reality TV world.
Manzo, 61, took to Twitter on Friday to detail the alleged incident involving her and Glanville, who rose to fame on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. "Words can't describe the physiological and emotional upset I've felt this morning," she wrote. "To have my personal space disrespected in such a vulgar way is unspeakable."
According to Manzo, the incident occurred at the Reality Stars Uncensored event in New York City on Wednesday night. "I was working the red carpet and Brandi just came up from behind me and forcefully kissed me, sticking her tongue down my throat," the longtime Bravo personality alleged.
Manzo did not hold back in her criticism of Glanville's alleged actions, stating "This was no innocent kiss between friends - this was an aggressive, forced assault by someone who was under the influence."
A representative for Glanville, 50, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. However, a video clip from the event has surfaced appearing to show part of the alleged encounter between the two women.
The explosive allegations have sparked outrage and concern from Manzo's fans and supporters in the entertainment industry. Her former RHONJ co-star Jacqueline Laurita tweeted "I'm absolutely sickened by this. You have every right to feel violated @CarolineManzo. Brandi's behavior is unacceptable."
Dancing With the Stars alum Cheryl Burke weighed in, writing "There's simply no excuse for this. The #MeToo movement exists for situations like this - women should never have to endure sexual assault or harassment. Sending you love and strength @carolinemanzo."
Legal experts indicate that Manzo could potentially pursue charges of sexual battery against Glanville for the alleged forced kissing. Under New York law, sexual battery includes any forcible sexual contact without consent.
"If the allegations as described are true, it could potentially rise to the level of a criminal sexual offense," said Robert K. Lewis, an attorney and professor at Fordham University School of Law. "The key factors are whether it was forcible and non-consensual contact of a sexual nature."
According to RAINN, the anti-sexual violence organization, an estimated 433,648 people age 12 or older are victims of rape or sexual assault each year in the United States. Several celebrity women have come forward alleging sexual misconduct in recent years as part of the #MeToo movement.
While many details remain unclear, the allegation has already become a bombshell controversy in the reality television sphere. As of now, neither Manzo nor Glanville have provided any further statement on the serious matter.
