Exclusive | ‘Woke’ crusader called possible Luigi Mangione ‘copycat’ cuffed in NYC court after bizarre threats to lesbian-bar workers
She had her day in court — and an afternoon in a police cruiser.
A “woke” crusader accused of defaming a pair of lesbian bars was arrested shortly after her lawyer argued in front of a Manhattan judge that a series of “ill-advised” threats were only jokes.
Anne Marie Bompart was arrested outside a Tribeca courthouse following a contempt hearing Wednesday for two defamation suits filed against her by popular lesbian pourhouses Henrietta Hudson and Cubbyhole.
Bompart — called a “potential copycat [of] ‘Luigi Mangione’” by an opposing attorney in December court papers — is now charged with one count of aggravated harassment, NYPD officials said.
The civil judge presiding over the combined cases requested that she undergo a 72-hour mental health evaluation as a condition of her criminal court arraignment, and continued the restraining orders already in place for both of the bars.
The two bars have each filed defamation lawsuits against Bompart for allegedly spreading false rumors of racism and violence against women at the two lesbian hubs.
“Everyone at this point is, quite frankly, scared,” said Tom Shanahan, the lawyer representing the bars, during the hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Bompart’s lawyer, Gerard Lucciola, argued that the bars were being “sensationalist” and “audacious” in their claims.
Inside the cramped Tribeca courtroom, roughly 20 young and sharply dressed onlookers showed up to support the bars, clutched their hands, and occasionally patted each other on their backs for support during the hearing over the saga, now a year old.
“She threatened to stomp Mr. Hutchinson’s dog to death, she threatened to break their jaws,” Shanahan said, recounting some of the violent threats Bompart has recently made against associates of the bars.
Shanahan argued that Bompart was in contempt of court, and should face financial penalties, in addition to a mental health assessment.
Bompart allegedly violated a 500-foot restraining order by standing silently outside of Cubbyhole last month, Shanahan said — frightening the bar’s workers, who snapped photos and locked the doors.
“We’re getting to the point with her where there hasn’t been any consequences for her actions,” Shanahan said. “We sincerely believe she’s a danger, not only to herself, but to the community.”
In court papers, Bompart’s legal team argued that her use of emojis and “lol” clearly mark her threats as hyperbole.
“There was, admittedly, some injudicious conduct perpetrated by Ms. Bompart — ill-advised,” Lucciola told the court.
Bompart isn’t in contempt — but the bars are, he argued.
Lucciola echoed claims Bompart previously made, alleging that a manager at Cubbyhole sent someone on a secret mission to hook up with her — and divulge juicy details about her case, which spurred her to restart her crusade.
“They violated [the agreement], not she,” Lucciola said.
Shanahan called it a “conspiracy theory.”
Lucciola rejected the alleged restraining order violation, arguing it’s unclear when the photo was taken and who it depicts.
“My client says it’s not her,” Lucciola told the court. “She was at home that day.”
He also called their claims of fear as more sensationalism.
“Judge, are we familiar with 911?” Lucciola said. “If they were in fear for their lives, I suggest they dial 911.”
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