Wonderwall

Real Housewives Star "Devastated" Over Assault Case

USMagazine, Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 12:33pm (PDT)

Real Housewives of New York City newcomer Kelly Killoren Bensimon faced a judge this morning for allegedly assaulting her ex, Nick Stefanov.

The reality star, 40, was arrested earlier this month for reportedly punching her 30-year-old beau in the face, causing lacerations below his left eye and "substantial pain," according to the complaint he filed with police. She could face up to a year in jail if convicted.

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Bensimon's lawyer Ed Hayes argued Stefanov was responsible for the altercation because he refused to leave her apartment after they split up.

"I can't believe the guy went to the police," Hayes told New York's Daily News. "It is very, very mean-spirited. It's not like she's in his apartment. He's in her apartment."

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"I don't even know if I qualify him as lover. How about a jilted moron?" he continued to Extra.

Prosecutors asked for an order of protection against Bensimon to be extended, but Hayes charged Stefanov -- who wasn't present at court -- was sending his ex threatening e-mails that said, "I'm going to make your life misery."

The case was adjourned until June 8, a clerk at NYC Criminal Court confirmed to Usmagazine.com.

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"If he doesn't show up from now until then, they'll dismiss the case. It's not a real case," Hayes told Extra. "He just wants to make her life uncomfortable."

"I'm devastated my girls and I have to go through something like this," Bensimon told the Daily News. "They don't need to be exposed to something like this."

She has two daughters, ages 8 and 10, with her French-photographer ex, Gilles Bensimon.

Bensimon said she was confident the case would be resolved in her favor. "The only time I'll ever be here again is for jury duty," she declared.