“Orange Is the New Black” star Dascha Polanco is facing four counts of assault and harassment after allegedly attacking a 17-year-old girl in July.
Polanco, who plays prison inmate Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on the Netflix comedy-drama, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday to fight accusations by Michelle Cardona that she beat her up in the teenager’s home on July 29.
The 33-year-old actress allegedly hit Cardona about the face and head with a closed fist at least three times, then pulled her hair, according to court documents obtained by the New York Post.
Cardona, who suffered “bruising and redness to her face, scratches to her arms, and substantial pain,” was hospitalized for her injuries, the police said.
However, Polanco’s lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, said that his client was set up, and that Cardona is seeking to get money from the “OITNB” star.