Steve Buscemi was recently spotted sporting a black eye after a disturbing assault in New York City. The 66-year-old actor found himself hospitalised following a random attack by an unknown assailant in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 8th, around 11:48 AM, as reported by The New York Times.
The incident occurred as Buscemi was strolling near the corner of Third Avenue and East 27th Street in the Kips Bay neighbourhood. He was unexpectedly struck in the face by the stranger, resulting in swelling to his face and left eye, leading to his admission to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.
New photos released by TMZ captured Buscemi wearing glasses, revealing bruising around his left eye. These images, taken on Saturday, mark the first public appearance of the esteemed actor since the unsettling attack.
Though police did not initially confirm Buscemi as the victim, his publicist later verified the incident, issuing a statement on Sunday, May 12th. “Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city,” the publicist stated. “He is ok and appreciates everyone’s well wishes, though incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to while also walking the streets of New York.”
An eyewitness to the assault recounted the incident to The New York Post, expressing concern over safety in the area. The NYPD also released surveillance images of the alleged attacker, described as a bearded man wearing a baseball cap, a blue t-shirt, and black sweatpants.
This assault on Buscemi follows a similar incident involving his former Boardwalk Empire co-star, Michael Stuhlbarg, earlier in the year. Stuhlbarg, aged 55, was targeted in Manhattan’s Central Park on March 31st, where he was struck in the back of the neck with a rock while out for a run. The assailant was subsequently apprehended by police stationed outside the Russian consulate at East 91st Street.
