Cops: Publicist Cursed Man, Ran Down 16

N E W  Y O R K, July 10, 2001 -- Moments before her sport utility vehicle backed into a crowd of people outside a Long Island nightclub early Saturday, a New York publicist cursed at bouncers and called one of them "white trash," witnesses told police.

Lizzie Grubman, whose clients include rappers Jay-Z and Wu-Tang Clan, told reporters Monday night that the crash was an accident and she was sorry that so many people had been injured.

Statements to police show Grubman was involved in a dispute with two bouncers at the nightclub, The Conscience Point Inn, minutes before the accident. Grubman also represents the inn.

When Grubman refused one bouncer's order to move her 2001 Mercedes-Benz, which was parked in the fire lane, another bouncer repeated the request, according to the statements. Grubman yelled an expletive at him and called him "white trash," according to witness statements released by the Suffolk County district attorney.

Minutes later, 16 people were injured when Grubman backed into the crowd waiting to enter the club, pinning some of them against the wall, police said. The injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to a broken ankle and head injuries, none life-threatening, police said.

Friends Took Her Away

Two of Grubman's friends escorted her away in another car because they saw that she was distressed, according to Howard Rubenstein, a spokesman for Grubman.

The 30-year-old publicist, whose father is a well-known entertainment lawyer, told reporters Monday evening she is sorry for those who were hurt.

"I'm really sorry about all the people that were hurt. This was an accident. I did not intentionally leave the scene of the accident nor did I intentionally try to hurt anybody," Grubman said.

Grubman was charged with multiple counts of assault, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury. She was released Sunday on $25,000 bail.

Grubman co-runs Lizzie Grubman/Peggy Siegal Public Relations, a Manhattan firm whose celebrity clients have included rappers the Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z, singer Taylor Dane, Sony Music Chairman Tommy Mottola and Madonna's friend Ingrid Casares.

The Conscience Point Inn is located in an area flush with celebrities, corporate CEOs and wealthy families. Grubman has represented the club for about five years, Rubenstein said.