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Victim of assault caught on video at Russian Lady bar in Hartford files lawsuit

The lawsuit claims Joshua Gilmore suffered a concussion, a deep laceration to the back of his skull, and a fractured elbow, among other injuries.

HARTFORD, Conn. — The man assaulted at the Russian Lady bar in Hartford on Nov. 4, along with his lawyers, are filing a lawsuit against the now-closed establishment. 

Joshua Gilmore, 28, was seen in a now-viral video being punched and thrown down the stairs at the nightclub earlier in November. Since that video became public, another has been uncovered further detailing the events that led to the incident. 

Represented by Attorney DeVaughn Ward of Ward Law LLC, the lawsuit names restauranteur Jerry Fornarelli, Russian Lady liquor license holder Stephen Leighton, FYC Entertainment LLC, and security guard Lewis Rivera as defendants, and claims they participated in gross negligence and negligent hiring that led to the alleged battery.

The lawsuit says Gilmore suffered a concussion, a deep eight-centimeter laceration to the back of his skull, and a fractured elbow, among other injuries. 

Gilmore released a full statement about the announcement: 

"Since being assaulted, it’s come to my attention that similar claims have been lodged against the Russian Lady previously. Several of these victims have reached out to offer words of support and validation, which have been greatly appreciated. I want to thank my family, friends, and strangers alike for the support that has been offered since the video of my assault has gone public. 

Despite being in a dark period of my life as a result of this incident, the support shows me that there's still good in humanity. Nobody deserves to be treated the way I was treated that night. In addition to pursuing charges with the Hartford Police Department, I am calling on the Hartford City Council to join us in holding the Russian Lady accountable for their violent attacks on customers. It's my hope that my ordeal and speaking up will bring about positive changes for folks who seek to enjoy all that Hartford has to offer."

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Ward released a statement as well: 

"In addition to filing this complaint, Mr. Gilmore, through my office, will be lodging formal complaints with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division, and pursuing charges with the Hartford Police Department and Hartford's State Attorney. The conduct of the Russian Lady on November 4 was downright reprehensible and obviously criminal. 

We are calling on law enforcement officials for a robust, energetic, and swift investigation. Lastly, if you or someone you know has been assaulted by the Russian Lady staff, please do reach out to my law office."

Since the release of the first video, The Russian Lady has closed due to the investigation. 

RELATED: Russian Lady nightclub in Hartford to shut down amid investigation into violent viral video altercation

RELATED: Retired cop recalls struggle to subdue man sentenced 8 years for wild big rig carjacking on I-95

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