![\"Lil](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KQCHYPBA4VHKHG6H5VFP7GOSKY.jpg\")
In this July 9, 2023 photo, Lil Tjay performs at the Wireless Music Festival in Finsbury Park in London.Scott Garfitt\/Invision\/AP<\/p>\nSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 An NYPD officer from Staten Island is suing Madison Square Garden, rapper Lil Tjay, and a promoter in connection with an alleged melee in the stands last year during a slate of boxing matches at the venue. <\/p>\n
The plaintiff, John Przybyszewski of Staten Island, was working a paid detail when he was \u201cpermanently injured\u201d as a result of the incident, his attorney writes in court documents. <\/p>\n
The incident reportedly unfolded in the stands of MSG\u2019s Hulu Theater on the evening of Feb. 14, 2025. The main event was a light heavyweight bout between Keyshawn Davis and Denys Berinchyk.<\/p>\n
As the fights played out in the ring, MSG staff and paid detail responded to a disturbance reported in the stands involving Lil Tjay, who was attending the event with friends and bodyguards, according to the plaintiff.<\/p>\n
The Bronx-born rapper \u2014 identified in court documents as Tione Jayden Merritt \u2014 became \u201cvolatile and combative\u201d with staff and \u201cother guests,\u201d the lawsuit alleges. <\/p>\n
Przybyszewski \u2014 who was one of two NYPD paid detail security officers that night \u2014 was instructed by MSG staff to remove Merritt, according to the lawsuit.<\/p>\n
He approached the defendant and \u201ccalmly\u201d delivered the message, his court filings state.<\/p>\n
Merritt became angry and pushed Przybyszewski, who was knocked to the ground by others as multiple people fell on top of him, the lawsuit alleges.<\/p>\n
Przybyszewski was rushed to NYU Tisch Hospital, where he was told by doctors he suffered cervical spinal injuries, the complaint continues.<\/p>\n
Cop assaulted, staff spat on: LawsuitIn this July 9, 2023 photo, Lil Tjay performs at the Wireless Music Festival in Finsbury Park in London.Scott Garfitt\/Invision\/AP<\/p>\n
In a video posted on social media, <\/a>Merritt is seen being approached by a MSG staff member at his seat as the two men lock arms. A larger man who was with Merritt steps in.<\/p>\n Merritt also spat in the face of an employee, the lawsuit alleges.<\/p>\n The video cuts off as Merritt is being forced from his seat. <\/p>\n Merritt, who is accused of assault and battery in the lawsuit, did not have an attorney listed in court documents as of Tuesday. An attorney from one of the rapper\u2019s prior arrests told the Advance\/SILive.com they were unaware of the latest incident. <\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t Merritt\u2019s first interaction with police. <\/p>\n In 2023, he was cuffed on weapons charges in his home borough. A year earlier, he was shot multiple times in New Jersey, the New York Post reported. <\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Negligence\u2019 led to \u2018permanent\u2019 injuries, suit claims<\/p>\n The plaintiff\u2019s injuries, according to the lawsuit, have proven serious, life changing and \u201cpermanent.\u201d <\/p>\n