"FREE HUGS" GUY HITS LADY

A man offering free hugs in New York’s Times Square was in court Friday for allegedly attacking a tourist when she didn’t give him a tip. Jermaine Himmelstein, known as the “free hugs” guy, is often seen toting a cardboard sign around Times Square offering free hugs. But on Thursday afternoon, Himmelstein jumped into a picture 22-year-old Canadian tourist Sophie Violene Dauvois was taking, hugged her and then demanded $5. Police said he then attacked her when she wouldn’t hand over the cash, punching her in the face. Himmelstein ran off but the victim took the photo as evidence and showed it to police. He faces charges of attempted robbery and fraudulent accosting. The woman was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital and was treated for an injury to her eye as well as cuts and bruises.
* The hugger gave her one right in the kisser.
* Fraudulent accosting? No, he really accosted her alright.
* He photo-bombed her and then he fist-bombed her.
* Add in a charge of false advertising for the “free” hugs.
* I don’t get the whole free hugs thing. Is there a time when you pay for hugs?
* He should wear a sign that says, “Free beatings”.
* Ironically, now is when she really needs a hug.
* Why worry about ISIS when we have these con artists down at Times Square?
* At this point thirty percent of all stories about New York involve these shenanigans at Times Square.
* If I’m going to spend 5 bucks at least let me pose with a superhero.
* Accepting a hug from a stranger? That’s even riskier than trying those free food samples at the store.