A former TikTok executive who was slashed in the face on a New York City subway is suing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), accusing the agency of negligence. The attack occurred on May 10, 2023, while Gideon Moncrieffe was riding a southbound C train in Brooklyn.
Moncrieffe says he was trying to intervene in an argument between Sean Lewis, a rider with a history of violence, and another passenger when Lewis attacked him with a sharp object. The assault left Moncrieffe with an eight-inch facial wound that required over 100 stitches and caused lasting psychological trauma.
The lawsuit alleges that the MTA failed to protect passengers and respond effectively to emergencies. Moncrieffe claims the train conductor locked the doors during the altercation, leaving him confined with his attacker. The filing argues the incident was a foreseeable result of systemic failures in the agency’s safety policies.
Lewis, who had a criminal record that included nine prior arrests, pleaded guilty to the attack and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The MTA has denied claims that Lewis was banned from the subway system at the time of the incident.
Moncrieffe’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and calls for reforms to improve safety on the transit system. His demands include better enforcement of prohibited rider policies, increased security personnel and improved emergency response protocols.
The attack has left Moncrieffe with PTSD, flashbacks and depression. He says the trauma has upended his life, causing the end of his engagement and disrupting his once-promising career. Moncrieffe hopes his case will push the MTA to take stronger action to protect passengers from violence.
