New York City—Ramona Singer, a former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” has faced intense backlash after posting a photograph on Instagram with Daniel Penny, who was acquitted of the fatal subway incident involving Jordan Neely. The image, which Singer shared on Friday, featured both individuals at a public event, with the caption celebrating Penny as a hero.
The reaction from fans was swift and severe. Social media users flooded the comments section, expressing their outrage over Singer’s apparent endorsement of Penny, whose actions in May 2023 led to the death of Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man. Critics voiced their disbelief, with comments highlighting the controversial nature of Penny’s actions. One user remarked, “He literally murdered another human being in cold blood,” while others echoed sentiments questioning her ethics.
Penny’s actions, which involved placing Neely in a chokehold on a subway train, were defended by him as self-defense. He claimed Neely had threatened passengers, stating he meant to de-escalate rather than harm. Despite the verdict of not guilty for criminally negligent homicide, the incident has reignited conversations about race, mental health, and public safety in urban settings.
Singer’s representative responded to the backlash, arguing Penny acted out of a protective instinct. “Daniel was found not guilty and he was protecting lives,” the spokesperson stated. They added that critics seemed hypocritical, referring to past praise for others with more serious offenses.
The controversy surrounding Singer is not new. Throughout her career, she has faced accusations of racism, including multiple incidents where she has allegedly used racially insensitive language. In one instance, she was criticized after a text message in which she used a partial slur became public. Moreover, her behavior on the show has led to accusations of insensitivity toward various cultural issues.
Supporters of Neely’s family have also condemned the support shown for Penny, arguing it highlights systemic issues surrounding violence against marginalized communities. Public figures like Preston Mitchum have called attention to the implications of Singer’s actions, suggesting they reflect a broader societal indifference to racial injustices.
As the conversation unfolds, questions about accountability and the social responsibilities of public figures continue to resonate. Singer’s image, already complicated by her past behaviors, faces further scrutiny as opinions divide sharply over her association with Penny.
Ultimately, the backlash serves as a reminder of the unresolved tensions surrounding race, power, and public perception amidst high-profile incidents. As fans and critics alike grapple with the implications of her support for Penny, the discourse over accountability in celebrity culture remains vital and ongoing.