MANHATTAN CRIMINAL COURT — Actress Taryn Manning was arraigned Friday on misdemeanor assault charges for allegedly beating up her 23-year-old assistant and friend during a early morning tussle in the luxe Dream Downtown hotel.
The 33-year-old actress allegedly grabbed her assistant, Holliann Hartman, by the hair and slammed her head against the wall early Thursday morning in the swank Meatpacking District hotel, according a criminal complaint.
The petite starlet is also accused of choking and punching Hartman, as well as scratching and kicking her face.
Manning, who's starred in "Hustle and Flow" and "Crazy/Beautiful," looked tired and solemn as she walked out of the arraignment. She declined to comment.
But her lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said the scuffle was just a petty girl fight between friends. "They had a late-night argument…tensions were high, they've been traveling together for a long time," Tacopina said.
Tacopina said Hartman had called him earlier, and said she did not want to pursue charges against her pal.
"Holly is part of Taryn's family…they've known each other for more than five years," said Tacopina.
Manning was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court on Nov. 13. She also had a temporary restraining order placed against her, barring her from contact with Hartman.
The California-based actress, who's pursuing a music career, was in town promoting her latest single, a dance track called "Send Me Your Love."
