Boxing trainer Martin Snow, who has trained celebrities like Kit Harington and Leah McSweeney, reported that he was assaulted by an aspiring influencer inside his Financial District gym on Monday afternoon. Snow claims Benjamin Hardy, an Instagram user described as "superhero-obsessed," head-butted him, breaking his nose and requiring hospitalization.
According to Snow, Hardy, accompanied by manosphere influencer Sonny Faz and a third individual, entered Snow's Vesey Street gym around 1 p.m. with the intention of filming content for social media. Snow stated that he denied their request to film, which led to the alleged assault.
Hardy, who was arrested following the incident, claims he acted in self-defense, stating that "four guys" were holding him down. He declined further comment without legal counsel. The NYPD arrested Hardy for assault and criminal trespassing. He has since been arraigned and pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Snow, the founder of Trinity Boxing Club since 1997, also appeared on "The Real Housewives of New York City" as McSweeney's boxing coach. During the altercation, one of Snow's trainers reportedly intervened and "smacked one of the guys," resulting in that trainer's arrest and a night in the precinct.
Faz did not respond to requests for comment, and the third man involved could not be reached.