Ex-Gov Spitzer Accused of Choking Woman at Plaza Hotel: NYPD Sources

New York City detectives on Sunday were looking into a report by a woman who says she was choked by former Governor Eliot Spitzer inside a Manhattan hotel room, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The woman, in her mid-twenties, told police she accompanied Spitzer to Manhattan's Plaza Hotel on Saturday and that at one point he choked her, the sources said.

A spokesperson for Spitzer said the accusation is unfounded.

"There is no truth to the allegation," Spitzer publicist Lisa Lindon told NBC 4 New York Sunday night.

The woman told police that she cut her wrists after being choked, the law enforcement sources said. A 911 call was made and she was taken to a hospital, they said.

The woman was discharged from the hospital and later boarded a plane to return to Russia, the sources said.

Sources said he could be seen in hospital security video after the alleged incident. 

No criminal charges have been filed against Spitzer.

Spitzer resigned as governor in 2008 following an investigation into financial transaction that revealed he had paid for sex.

Spitzer campaigned in 2013 to be elected as city comptroller, but lost. He has since managed the family's real estate development company. 

Outside Spitzer's Upper East Side apartment building, some who live and work in the neighborhood had mixed feelings. 

"If it's an assault, it's a big deal. But otherwise, it should be kept private in my opinion," said resident Richard Suero. 

Barbara Latucci of midtown immediately recalled the prostiution scandal. 

"I think he can't help but get in trouble -- his rep is following him around," she said. 

Contact Us