On February 7, a family filed a lawsuit against a school district and several individuals following a violent incident at a high school basketball game. The lawsuit names as defendants Locust Valley High School, its central school district, and specific individuals including Danielle Turner, Kristen Turnow, Kimberly Gotti, and Gianna Gotti.
The plaintiffs, Jean Etienne and Crystal Etienne, allege that during a basketball game on February 8, 2024, their son S.S., who is a minor, was subjected to racial slurs and physical assault by the defendants. The complaint accuses the defendants of failing to supervise and intervene in the harassment and attack on their son. The Etiennes claim that this incident is part of a broader pattern of racist behavior tolerated by the school district.
According to the complaint, Kimberly and Gianna Gotti allegedly screamed obscenities and racial epithets at S.S. during the game. Furthermore, they are accused of physically assaulting Crystal Etienne and her son. The plaintiffs assert that these actions resulted in physical injury and emotional distress for their family. They argue that such behavior was not only witnessed but also recorded by attendees at the event.
The lawsuit cites violations of civil rights under several statutes including 42 U.S.C.§1981, §1983, §1985 as well as breaches of state laws such as the New York State Human Rights Law. It seeks compensatory damages exceeding five million dollars per plaintiff along with punitive damages. Additionally, it demands injunctive relief to prevent future violations and calls for corrective measures from the defendants.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Frederick K. Brewington of The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under case ID CV-25-724.