Pro-Life Influencer Files Lawsuit After Being Assaulted in NYC
A conservative pro-life influencer, Savannah Craven Antao, who gained attention after being punched during a street interview in New York City, has initiated legal action against her alleged assailant.
On April 3, Craven Antao, known for her YouTube channel “Her Patriot Voice,” claimed that she was attacked by Brianna J. Rivers, 30, while she was conducting street interviews for the group Live Action. Following the incident, she required stitches, leading to medical expenses exceeding $3,000, according to a complaint submitted to Bronx Supreme Court on November 18. Lawyers representing her assert that Rivers “deliberately, knowingly, and maliciously ridiculed” her, intensifying her emotional distress.
Moreover, the complaint accuses Rivers of selling merchandise that mocked Craven Antao’s religious beliefs and referenced the assault. It mentions a T-shirt design featuring the word “BAM!” which Rivers supposedly created alongside her cousin to fund her legal defense.
Craven Antao’s representatives claim she is now dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and has received numerous death threats since the attack. The lawsuit demands both compensatory and punitive damages for the assault and the emotional suffering it caused.
Initially, Rivers faced second-degree assault charges, but these were dismissed in July due to the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office failing to meet evidence disclosure deadlines. The complaint criticizes the office for downgrading the charges to misdemeanors and eventually allowing them to expire.
In a recent interview, Craven Antao expressed her frustrations with Bragg’s handling of her case. She mentioned feeling unsafe, saying, “I have to look over my shoulder… because there are people who support her actions—many who do.” She believes the decision to drop the case sends a troubling message about accountability.
In response to the filing error, Bragg’s office issued an apology in September, acknowledging their mistake regarding discovery deadlines. They emphasized that every victim deserves their day in court and mentioned implementing internal reforms following the incident.
Craven Antao decided to pursue the lawsuit not only to hold Rivers accountable but also to convey a broader message. “I’m grateful that my medical bills were covered,” she said. “It sends a message that this can’t happen without consequences.” She also expressed a hope for Rivers, saying, “I pray she eventually finds God… It’s clear she’s deeply traumatized and taking it out on others.”
Christopher Ferrara, a lawyer for Craven Antao, remarked that the inaction from the prosecutor’s office forced them to resort to a civil lawsuit. He stated, “Savannah was assaulted for peacefully expressing her pro-life beliefs, and she faced further embarrassment when her attacker celebrated the incident online.”
Craven Antao connected her concerns for safety to larger trends affecting conservative figures, alluding to the recent murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. “If someone like him, who has security resources, can be targeted, what does that mean for journalists who lack that kind of backup?” she pondered. “The online threats make me anxious that the wrong person might find me.”
Rivers had shared an apology, stating, “I cannot sit back and allow this one-sided story to continue… I understand that violence is not the answer, but I feel that Savannah is a professional adversary.”
As of now, neither the Manhattan prosecutor’s office nor Rivers has commented on the situation.
