A source close to lawyer and Al Sharpton friend Sanford Rubenstein told The New York Daily News that the Sharpton staffer who accused him of rape had consensual sex with Rubenstein the morning after the alleged attack. But a police source contradicted the Rubenstein-linked source’s account.
Police searched Rubenstein’s Upper East Side penthouse apartment this weekend after a 42-year old-woman, identified as an official at Sharpton’s National Action Network, accused the high-profile attorney of raping her after the pair left Sharpton’s 60th birthday party Wednesday night at the Four Seasons hotel.
Police searched Rubenstein’s apartment for an “object” that could have been used in the alleged attack, and tape-recorded a phone conversation Sunday between the woman and Rubenstein. Rubenstein reportedly did not incriminate himself in the phone call.
Sharpton’s 60th birthday party was attended by Democratic New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, director Spike Lee, Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, MSNBC president Phil Griffin and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who the Daily News described as “resplendent in a black tux” in its coverage of the party prior to the rape allegation. A White House official reportedly read warm greetings sent by the President and first lady Obama at the party.
“Sanford Rubenstein is one of the city’s most successful and respected lawyers,” Rubenstein attorney Benjamin Brafman told reporters. “We do not believe he committed any crime whatsoever and are confident that when the investigation is completed no criminal charges will be filed.”
Sharpton was quick to distance himself from the incident.
“National Action Network [NAN] and Rev. Al Sharpton was made aware by media that a NAN top official made allegations against Sanford Rubenstein and Rev. Al Sharpton has not been notified or advised by any official investigating authorities,” NAN said in an official statement. “The allegations as reported occurred at a private residence after a NAN event and had nothing to do with NAN nor Rev. Al Sharpton, therefore we have no comment at this time.”
Sharpton later stated that Rubenstein, or “Sandy,” is a friend, while Rubenstein’s accuser is a close employee.
“Sandy and I have become friends, but the young lady that made the accusation is a top official,” Sharpton said Sunday. “Sandy has no official capacity with NAN – she does. I respect her, and she’s been very, very helpful to us, so we’re like between this situation.”
Mayor de Blasio also weighed in, stating, “Obviously these are very troubling charges, but I haven’t seen the details of it and obviously it will be a full investigation.”
Sharpton and Rubenstein are close collaborators on various civil rights-related cases in New York City, particularly ones involving police brutality. Rubenstein represented Sharpton in his lawsuit against the city related to a 1991 rally where Sharpton was stabbed. Rubenstein won Sharpton a $200,000 settlement in 2003.
I just got a Early Birthday call from former Sec. Hillary Clinton saying she is sorry she can't make celebration. I congratulated her too.
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) October 1, 2014