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Gay couple brutally bashed in "gay friendly" New York restaurant

Jonathan Snipes was the victim of a bashing at a New York restaurant. Photo: Facebook.

Police are investigating a possible hate crime after a gay couple were brutally bashed over the head with a chair in a New York City restaurant.

Jonathan Snipes, 32, and Ethan York-Adams, 25, were celebrating Cinco de Mayo in a Chelsea restaurant on Tuesday night.

The restaurant, Chelsea Dallas BBQ, is a well-known gay hangout.

When they arrived, Mr Snipes reportedly got a text about a death in his family and needed to leave immediately.

In a hurry, Mr Snipes accidentally knocked over someone’s drink.

"A table near us audibly started making pretty gross comments about the two of us like, 'White f----ts, spilling drinks,'" Mr Snipes told DNA Info.

"I don't let anyone talk to me like that. I went over there and asked, 'What did you say about us?'"

One of the men Mr Snipes confronted allegedly attacked him, punching him to the ground and knocking out one of his teeth.

Mr Snipes boyfriend, Mr York-Adams, helped him up but in doing so he was attacked with a wooden chair by a larger man.

"They hit us hard and then they wouldn't stop. I was hobbling away and they came and attacked us again," Mr Snipes said.

"We were just trying to get away from it."


Mr York-Adams fell to the ground and Mr Snipes was hit in the head.

Police are yet to identify the attackers who fled the scene immediately after the incident.

The couple refused medical treatment as they were not insured and could not afford it.

"The ride to the hospital was going to cost $1,000. I'd rather (recover) in the comfort of my living room," Mr Snipes said.

Mr Snipes said he did not intend to start a fight.

"I may be a mouthy broad, but I wasn't going to take it to that level," Mr Snipes said.

New York police have confirmed they are investigating the attack as a hate crime.

"These guys attacked us specifically because they knew we weren't their type of people," Mr Snipes said. "It was disgusting. It was awful."

It was not the first time Mr Snipes had become the victim of an anti-gay encounter.

"Growing up gay in Alabama, this is not my first time at that rodeo," Mr Snipes said.

Mr Snipes took to Facebook to thank those who had come out in support of the couple.

"Ethan and I want to extend our most heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone for their support," he said.

"We are in better spirits and believe that our assailants will be found and brought to justice. We live in the finest city in the world and have the VERY BEST police officers to match!

"I am humbled and immensely thankful for their help. Even in the midst of turmoil we feel so blessed to have been shown such compassion. Thank you all again."

News break - May 7