Jonathan Kaye, a former banker at Moelis & Co., has pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor charges following a high-profile incident during a Pride celebration in Brooklyn last year. Kaye was captured on video punching a woman in the face, a recording that quickly went viral and drew public backlash.
On Friday, Kaye formally entered a guilty plea in a Brooklyn courtroom, admitting to several charges, including third-degree assault. However, under the terms of the plea deal, he may be eligible to have his record expunged if he meets specific legal and behavioral conditions.
According to Bloomberg, the court outlined a path for Kaye to downgrade his misdemeanor charges to violations. If successful, this would effectively leave him with a clean criminal record. To qualify, Kaye must complete 25 days of community service, attend three anger management sessions, and pay $50,000 in restitution to the victims involved in the case.
The case stems from a disturbing incident in June 2024, when Kaye was filmed striking a woman during a confrontation at a Brooklyn Pride event. The footage led to public outrage, legal scrutiny, and ultimately his arrest.
Kaye’s guilty plea represents a significant development in the case, but the outcome will depend on his full compliance with the court’s requirements. If met, the conditions could result in the removal of the charges from his record, allowing him to move forward professionally without a formal criminal conviction.
Jonathan Kaye, the former Moelis & Co. banker involved in a widely publicized altercation during a Brooklyn Pride event, is officially joining Rothschild & Co. as global co-head of business services for its North America division. The move follows a legal settlement that will dismiss all charges against him, assuming he fulfills the court’s conditions.
Kaye was placed on administrative leave after the incident came to light in June 2024 and subsequently departed the boutique investment firm. At the time, his attorney, Danya Perry, stated that Kaye had acted in self-defense. According to a report by the Financial Times, Perry claimed Kaye had been surrounded by protesters critical of actions in Gaza, who allegedly doused him with unknown liquids, shoved him to the ground, and directed antisemitic slurs at him.
Despite the controversy, Rothschild & Co. confirmed Kaye’s hiring in a statement issued Monday. The firm emphasized that Kaye will play a strategic leadership role in expanding its North American advisory business, particularly within the business services sector.
“A settlement has been reached that will resolve the outstanding legal proceedings against Jonathan Kaye and result in the dismissal of all charges,” a Rothschild spokesperson told Banking Dive via email. “We are confident that Jonathan will be a strong addition to our team and live up to our values as a firm.”
Robert Leitão, managing partner and head of global advisory at Rothschild, praised the appointment. “Jonathan’s extensive experience and leadership will add significant strategic value to our global advisory clients and will be instrumental in advancing our Business Services franchise around the world,” Leitão said in a company press release.
According to the firm’s hiring announcement, Kaye has advised on over 100 transactions across various verticals, focusing on large-cap and middle-market private equity. Before joining Moelis, he served as a managing director in Citi’s global M&A group, further solidifying his reputation in high-level financial advisory.
In a statement accompanying the announcement of his new role, Jonathan Kaye expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. “I greatly look forward to working with the global team, as well as leveraging my experience and relationships to support the continued growth of Rothschild & Co.’s North America and Business Services teams,” he said.
Kaye’s legal troubles stem from a June 8, 2024, incident during a Pride celebration in Brooklyn, where he was captured on a 10-second video striking a woman, later identified as Micah Phillips. The footage went viral, leading to widespread media coverage and legal scrutiny. Kaye was ultimately charged with two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of third-degree menacing, and two counts of second-degree harassment.
Phillips, who reportedly suffered a broken nose in four places, spoke publicly about the assault in a televised interview. Her attorney, Ron Kuby, confirmed the extent of her injuries. Speaking to NBC4 New York, Phillips said she hopes Kaye uses the experience as a turning point. “I want him to be a better person after this,” she said. “I want him to take anger management. I want him to get therapy. I want him to not be in a position of power until he’s able to be a better member of the community.”
During Friday’s court hearing, Judge Dale Fong-Frederick issued a stern warning to Kaye. The judge reminded him that full compliance with the terms of the plea agreement is mandatory. Kaye must honor a protective order involving two women, avoid any future arrests, and complete all conditions outlined in the settlement. Failure to comply would void the agreement and could result in up to one year of jail time, as reported by Bloomberg.
Frequently Asked Question
Who is Jonathan Kaye?
Jonathan Kaye is a former banker at Moelis & Co. who recently accepted a plea deal involving misdemeanor charges. He has since been appointed as the global co-head of business services for Rothschild & Co.’s North America advisory division.
What was Jonathan Kaye charged with?
Kaye was charged with six misdemeanors, including two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of third-degree menacing, and two counts of second-degree harassment, following an incident during a Pride event in Brooklyn.
What happened during the incident involving Kaye?
Kaye was filmed in a viral video striking a woman, identified as Micah Phillips, during a Pride celebration in June 2024. The incident led to criminal charges and widespread media attention.
What penalties did Kaye face under the plea deal?
Under the plea agreement, Kaye must complete 25 days of community service, attend three anger management sessions, and pay $50,000 in restitution to the victims. If he complies, the charges may be downgraded and expunged.
Can Jonathan Kaye’s criminal record be cleared?
Yes. If Kaye completes all court-mandated conditions, his misdemeanor charges will be downgraded to violations, leaving him without a criminal record.
Why did Rothschild & Co. hire Jonathan Kaye?
Despite the controversy, Rothschild stated that Kaye brings extensive experience in global advisory and private equity. The firm believes he will contribute significantly to the growth of its North American and Business Services teams.
What role will Kaye have at Rothschild & Co.?
Kaye will serve as the global co-head of business services for Rothschild’s North America unit, focusing on strategic expansion and client advisory services.
Conclusion
Jonathan Kaye’s plea deal marks a pivotal resolution to a highly publicized legal case stemming from the Brooklyn Pride incident. By agreeing to complete community service, anger management, and restitution payments, Kaye has positioned himself for the possibility of a clean record through expungement. Despite the controversy, Rothschild & Co.’s decision to appoint Kaye as global co-head of business services reflects confidence in his extensive experience and leadership within the financial advisory sector. As Kaye embarks on this new chapter, his compliance with legal obligations will be crucial to maintaining both his professional reputation and the trust of his new firm. This case highlights the complex intersection of personal conduct and career trajectory in today’s high-stakes financial world.