A 25-year-old man initially arrested Sunday on an assault charge after Lindsay Lohan claimed he grabbed her in her New York hotel room in an argument over cellphone images was freed hours later and his arrest voided when the charge could not be substantiated, law enforcement officials said.
Instead, Christian LaBella of Valley Village, Calif., and Lohan filed harassment complaints with police against each other after they were interviewed by police about their run-in, law enforcement officials said.
Afterward, Lohan publicist Steve Honig expressed outrage that police did not charge LaBella.
"We think it's both distressing and outrageous," he said in a telephone interview. "Lindsey was assaulted and there needs to be a consequence for that."
LaBella could not be reached for comment.
Lohan was also charged with harassment. The harassment charges do not lead to an arrest and will cancel each charge out, according to police.
Both Lohan and LaBella are planning to file harassment complaints against each other.
The incident began when Lohan, 26, was partying with friends, including LaBella who she met earlier at 1 Oak Club on West 17th in Chelsea before the group made their way to a room at the W Hotel Union Square.
Police say Lohan became angry after Labella was taking cell phone photos of her partying. According to TMZ, Lohan was horrified to find that LaBella had taken over 50 photos and videos and had been emailing them to friends.
Lohan apparently ripped the phone out of LaBella's hand and ran into the bathroom of the suite as LaBella chased Lohan, according to the Post. When Lohan came out of the bathroom LaBella chased her again and then allegedly began choking her in the stairwell of the 15th floor before Lohan was able to call police.
The New York Post says Lohan pulled a fire alarm to prevent LaBella from leaving.
LaBella was eventually arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment (violation) and was taken to the 13th precinct. LaBella is an employee for Illinois Congressman John Shimkus.
Steve Honig, publicist for Lohan issued a statement, "We think it's both distressing and outrageous. Lindsey was assaulted and there needs to be a consequence for that."
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:20:51 GMT
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan. The protesters said Thursday they want Wendy's to sign an agreement to safeguard working conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:27:26 GMT
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:51:10 GMT
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:33:52 GMT
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
President Barack Obama is showing singer-songwriter Carole King that she has friends at the White House.
President Barack Obama, saluting Carole King's five decades as an award-winning singer-songwriter, said Wednesday that music often is a place where people seek comfort and inspiration during trying times.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:11 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:11:03 GMT
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Buh-bye bad combover! Hello, bald head! Christian Bale was nearly unrecognizable when he landed at Los Angeles Intl. Airport on Sunday sporting a beard and a bald head.
Buh-bye bad combover! Hello, bald head! Christian Bale was nearly unrecognizable when he landed at Los Angeles Intl. Airport on Sunday sporting a beard and a bald head.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:17:02 GMT
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:33:52 GMT
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:27 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:27:14 GMT
Carol Burnett, who became famous for playing a variety of characters in sketch comedy routines on her namesake television show, has been named the winner of the nation's top humor prize.
Carol Burnett, who became famous for playing a variety of characters in sketch comedy routines on her namesake television show, has been named the winner of the nation's top humor prize.
