A violent attack on a Brooklyn subway has led former TikTok executive Gideon Moncrieffe to file a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The incident occurred on May 10, 2023, while Moncrieffe was commuting on a southbound C train.
The attack unfolded when Moncrieffe attempted to intervene in an argument between Sean Lewis, a man with a history of violence, and another passenger. Despite initially appearing calm, Lewis suddenly slashed Moncrieffe across the face with a sharp object, leaving him with a wound that required over 100 stitches to close.
Moncrieffe’s lawsuit alleges the MTA’s negligence enabled the attack. He claims the train conductor locked the doors during the altercation, leaving him trapped with his attacker. The filing describes the assault as the result of the MTA’s failure to enforce safety measures and respond effectively to emergencies.
Lewis, who had nine prior arrests for violent behavior, pleaded guilty to the attack in August and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The MTA has disputed claims that Lewis had been banned from the subway system, stating he was not under any prohibition at the time of the incident.
Moncrieffe, who was TikTok’s head of global event production at the time, says the attack has left him with lasting psychological trauma, including PTSD, depression and flashbacks. He also revealed that the assault caused the end of his engagement and shattered his plans for the future.
The lawsuit seeks damages and demands changes to MTA policies, including consistent enforcement of prohibited rider rules, increased security presence and better emergency responses. Moncrieffe hopes the case will draw attention to the need for stronger passenger protections on New York City’s transit system.
