NEW YORK — Kelly Killoren Bensimon was arrested in Manhattan last week on a misdemeanor assault charge after she allegedly punched her boyfriend, Nicholas Stefanov, the New York Daily News reports.
"The Real Housewives of New York City" star turned herself into authorities last Thursday, two days after the alleged incident took place, the Daily News says.
According to the publication, the 30-year-old Stefanov suffered a laceration under his left eye after the 40-year-old Bensimon allegedly struck him with a closed fist.
Stefanov told the Daily News that their fight was over the "usual stuff that couples fight about." He said that he still loves Bensimon, even though he claimed this wasn't the first time she hit him. He blamed her outburst on the stress of their recent engagement and her role on the Bravo reality show.
"She is a great girl," he told the paper. "I do want to work it out. But what are you supposed to do when a girl is hitting you, just sit there like a punching bag?"
Bensimon's lawyer, Stephen Turano, told the Daily News that his client is innocent.
"The allegations are by a jilted lover saying she struck him during the course of an argument," said Turano. "We deny the charges, and we are hopeful this will be resolved."
Bensimon is due in court on March 31.
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