Moelis Banker Kaye on Leave After Brooklyn Event Scuffle

Key Takeaway

• Moelis & Co. placed senior banker Jonathan Kaye on leave after a video showed him in an altercation at a Brooklyn Pride event.
• The incident involved Kaye being doused with liquid by individuals carrying a Palestinian flag, leading to the scuffle.
• Moelis is conducting an internal investigation while the NYPD has not received any official complaints regarding the incident.

Incident Overview

Moelis & Co., a prominent investment bank, has placed one of its senior employees, Jonathan Kaye, on leave following a video that surfaced on social media showing him involved in an altercation during a New York City Pride event. The video, which was posted on the social media platform X, depicts a man, identified as Kaye, hitting another individual in the face at a street corner and then walking away. The incident reportedly took place at a Brooklyn Pride event over the weekend.

A spokesperson for Moelis confirmed the identity of the person in the video and stated, "We are aware that one of our employees was involved in a serious incident in Brooklyn on June 8. We take this matter very seriously, and this employee is on leave as we continue to conduct our investigation." The video is brief, lasting only 10 seconds, and does not show the events leading up to the altercation. However, the back of Kaye’s jacket appears visibly wet, suggesting that some interaction may have occurred before the recording began.

Context and Reactions

According to a person briefed on the matter, the altercation occurred after four individuals carrying a Palestinian flag threw liquids on Kaye. This action was reportedly in response to Kaye, who is Jewish, telling them that they were "on the wrong side." During the scuffle, Kaye fell to the ground and injured his knee. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is aware of the video but has not received an official complaint as of Monday morning. A spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information stated, "The NYPD is aware of the video. We encourage anyone who has been a victim to file a police report. There are currently no complaint reports on file."

Employee Background

Jonathan Kaye is a managing director at Moelis & Co. and heads the global business services franchise at the bank. According to the bank’s website, Kaye has been in the investment banking industry for two decades and has played a significant role in making the franchise a recognized global leader, having advised on over 100 transactions across the sector. Moelis & Co., led by founder Ken Moelis, is a boutique investment bank that has gained market share from larger rivals in recent years. The bank is listed in New York and has a market capitalization of $4 billion.

Management Quotes

• Moelis spokesperson:

  "We are aware that one of our employees was involved in a serious incident in Brooklyn on June 8. We take this matter very seriously, and this employee is on leave as we continue to conduct our investigation."

• NYPD spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information:

  "The NYPD is aware of the video. We encourage anyone who has been a victim to file a police report. There are currently no complaint reports on file."