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Former NYC mayoral candidate charged with sucker-punching TikTok influencer Halley Kate amid rash of similar attacks across the city

8 months ago 43
  • The man who allegedly punched TikTok creator Halley Kate in the face has been identified as Skiboky Stora, age 40
  • The suspect has run for NYC 's mayor, governor, and City Council over the past three years.
  • Officials have not confirmed whether or not Stora is connected to other reports of assault by several women on TikTok 

By Alexa Cimino

Published: 20:48 GMT, 27 March 2024 | Updated: 20:55 GMT, 27 March 2024

The man who allegedly punched TikTok creator Halley Kate in the face has been identified as Skiboky Stora, who has ran for NYC's mayor, governor, and City Council over the past three years.

Stora, 40, of East New York was charged with assault in connection to the random attack on on Kate while she was walking the streets of Chelsea, per the NYPD.

In a video that has now amassed over 44 million views, the 23-year-old TikTok star recorded herself moments after being punched in the face.

In multiple follow up videos, Kate showed her followers the large 'devil horn' sized bump on the left side of he forehead.

According to court records, Stora is expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday morning for a previous arrest. He performs as a rapper under the moniker Designer Attitude and is a regular hopeful for public office.

Skiboky Stora, 40, of East New York was charged with assault in connection to the random attack on on Kate while she was walking the streets of Chelsea

Social media influencer Halley Kate has posted a video, claiming she was punched in the face in broad daylight while walking the streets of New York City

Officers confirmed in an email that the incident occurred while Kate was walking in the vicinity of West 16 Street and 7 Avenue when the suspect allegedly hit her in the head

Kate's video prompted a number of other women to come forward about their own experienced being assaulted, specifically being punched in the face by male strangers.

Police have not confirmed whether Stora is a suspect in the other incidents.

In her most recent video addressing the situation, Kate said she is not going to let this assault define her nor stop her from living her life.

'I have lived here for six years and I haven't had anything even remotely similar to what happened to me yesterday,' she said.

'While its obviously really upsetting and disgusting that women have to deal with shit like this, I personally am not gonna revolve my life around that one incident and be afraid to walk around the streets, go to restaurants - live my life.

'I do think this serves as a good wake up call to be a little bit more aware of my surroundings, and that's not just in New York City, literally anywhere in the world.'

The social media star also did not think the suspect responsible for her assault was the common thread between the other women who got punched on TikTok.

'From listening to a lot of those girl's videos it didn't really sound like it was the same person. I think it might just be a somewhat common thing that happens in big cities,' she said.

Stora lost to Democrat Yusef Salaam in the City Council election for District 9 last year

According to court records, Stora is expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday morning for a previous arrest

'The victim fell to the ground and suffered injuries to the left side of her face [and] was treated at a local medical facility,' per the email

'I don't want it to seem like 13 girls got punched in the face yesterday, and if you come to New York City, you're for sure going to get punched in the face.' 

Stora lost to Democrat Yusef Salaam in the City Council election for District 9 last year. He ran as a Freedom Party candidate but did not get a spot on the ballot.

He was either withdrawn or disqualified as the Republican candidate for governor in 2022, per Ballotpedia.

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