13 hours ago
Son of Pulitzer-winning author Michael Chabon accused of rape, strangulation in NYC
NEW YORK — The 22-year-old son of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon has been accused of choking and raping a woman in Manhattan last year, prosecutors announced.
Abraham Chabon, a student at New York University, is facing a count of second-degree strangulation and first-degree rape in connection with the the alleged attack, according to a criminal complaint viewed by the Daily News He pleaded not guilty to both counts during an appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court on June 13 and he was released following the arraignment, after Judge Kacie Lally set bail at $45,000 cash or a $150,000 bond.
The alleged incident occurred inside a building on East 12th Street on Jan. 25 2024, according to the complaint. That's where Chabon allegedly grabbed the woman by her neck and forced her onto the bed. She said he choked her to the point where she struggled breathe as he raped her. She also alleged that Chabon repeatedly struck her in the face 'causing stupor and loss of vision in one eye' as well as pain, swelling, and bruising to her neck and face.
An attorney for Chabon, Priya Chaudhry, declared his innocence in a statement to The New York Times, adding that he 'was as shocked by these false allegations as anyone.'
Chaudhry also noted that Chabon 'has strong family support and a devoted partner who all believe in his innocence. We hope the prosecutor's investigation reveals his innocence quickly.'
His father, Michael Chabon's writings include 'The Mysteries of Pittsburgh,' 'Wonder Boys,' 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union,' 'Telegraph Avenue,' and 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,' which won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It also served as inspiration for an opera of the same name, set to have its New York premiere at the Metropolitan Opera this fall.
His mother, Ayelet Waldman, is also a writer known for her books 'Bad Mother' and 'A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life.'
The couple share four children, including Abraham.
