Laura Linney Assaulted After Christian Siriano Fashion Show at NYFW

Oscar-nominated actress Laura Linney was assaulted by an autograph seeker outside Christian Siriano’s 15th anniversary runway show at the Pierre Hotel on Friday night, eyewitnesses report.

Video footage shows a male fan forcefully jabbing a pen into Linney’s back as she waited for her car following the star-studded event. Her male handler quickly intervened, only to be punched in the head by the aggressive attacker.

A stunned Linney reached out to check on her handler after the blow, asking “Are you OK?” He smiled and replied he was fine before ushering the shaken actress into her waiting vehicle.

Sources say neither Linney nor her handler sustained injuries in the disturbing incident.

The fashion show attracted a slew of A-list celebrities, including Janet Jackson, Alicia Silverstone, Rosie Perez, Avril Lavigne and Kesha joining Linney in the front row. Also in attendance were actresses Quinta Brunson, Laverne Cox and Sarah Hyland, along with luxury jeweler Josh Levkoff, who designed the runway accessories.

In an interview prior to the show, Linney praised Siriano’s design talents and warm character. “Beyond his talents is his excellent good nature. He’s a spectacular human being,” she said. “When he dresses me, there’s such care that’s taken, and he knows kind of exactly what to put me in. It’s a real privilege and pleasure to know him.”

Siriano told reporters his goal as a designer is to bring more joy and inclusivity to the fashion world. “Clothes should make people feel great about themselves. That should be the easy part of their day, not the hard part. It should be the fun, the glamour, the fantasy. I guess that’s what I want to see more of, and that includes every person,” he remarked.

While the evening ended on a troubling note, Siriano can still celebrate staging another memorable New York Fashion Week event filled with famous faces, beautiful designs and a message of empowerment through fashion.