Sanford “Sandy” Rubenstein, 70, has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman after Rev. Al Sharpton’s 60th birthday bash in New York City. Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Chuck Schumer, Mayor Bill de Blasio, entertainer Aretha Franklin, filmmaker Spike Lee and others were invited to celebrate with the civil rights activist at the at the Four Seasons Restaurant on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The attorney is known widely for his work in the city’s police brutality cases.
The alleged incident took place Wednesday at Rubenstein’s swanky E. 64th St. apartment in Manhattan. The unnamed 42-year-old employee at Rev. Sharpton’s National Action Network, is supposedly a top official.
The National Action Network and Rev. Sharpton released this statement to press regarding allegations against Rubenstein:
“National Action Network and Rev. Al Sharpton was made aware by media that a NAN top official made allegations against Sanford Rubenstein. National Action Network and Rev. Al Sharpton has not been notified or advised by any official investigating authorities. The allegations as reported occurred at a private residence after a NAN event and had nothing to do with NAN nor Rev. Al Sharpton, therefore we have no comment at this time.”
The NYPD is investigating this allegation as a third-degree rape, which suggests the victim is “incapable of consent,” because she could have been intoxicated or passed out during the alleged encounter.
“Sanford Rubenstein vehemently denies any misconduct,” says Michael Ross, his attorney.
