"OITNB" star Dascha Polanco appeared at the Manhattan Criminal Court Thursday to face assault and harassment charges after she allegedly assaulted a 17-year-old girl earlier this year.
Michelle Cardona has accused 33-year-old Polanco of punching, scratching and pulling her hair on July 29 in an altercation, which took place at Cardona's Upper Manhattan residence, according to Page Six.
"Ms. Cardona observed the defendant strike Ms. Cardona about the face and head with a closed fist at least three times, pull Ms. Cardona's hair, and strike Ms. Cardona's arms with the defendant's hands and nails," according to court documents.
It is not yet clear what lead to the alleged assault, but Polanco had invited Cardona over to her apartment before the beatdown. The teenager was hospitalized for injuries suffered in the apparent assault, according to police.
Polanco's lawyer Gerald Lefcourt stated that Cardona's allegations were just an attempt to extort money from his client and added that Polanco was "set up." "This is an attempt to extort money by making a false claim," said Lefcourt, according to People. "We expect the case to be dismissed."
Polanco, who plays prison inmate Dayanara "Daya" Diaz on "Orange is the New Black," is expected to appear in court on Jan. 28 next.
