Lawsuit claims Lil Tjay Brawl at MSG left NYPD officer permanently injured

Rapper Lil Tjay is facing a civil lawsuit after a chaotic confrontation inside Madison Square Garden allegedly left a New York City police officer with permanent spinal injuries and an uncertain future in law enforcement.

The incident stems from a crowded professional boxing event at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, promoted by Top Rank. According to court filings, NYPD Officer John Przybyszewski was working a paid security detail when he was directed to remove Lil Tjay from the venue following reports of disruptive behavior.

The lawsuit claims Lil Tjay was attending the event as a complimentary guest of Top Rank when his conduct became loud and disorderly, prompting venue security to intervene. When internal staff were unable to manage the situation, Przybyszewski was summoned to assist.

What followed, according to the complaint, was a breakdown in crowd control that reportedly escalated quickly. The officer alleges Lil Tjay spat in the face of a Madison Square Garden employee amid the confusion, and that a physical altercation erupted shortly afterwards.

Przybyszewski says he became disoriented and experienced severe pain following the encounter. He was transported by ambulance to NYU Tisch Hospital, where diagnostic imaging allegedly revealed serious injuries to his cervical and lumbar spine, including disc damage at the L4–L5 level.

The injuries, the lawsuit states, are permanent and could end his career as a police officer.

“This was not a random or unforeseeable incident,” the filing argues. Instead, the officer claims the confrontation was the direct result of dangerous understaffing and operational failures by the venue and event organizers.

According to the complaint, event planners determined that at least eight officers were required to provide adequate security for the sold-out crowd. Only two officers were reportedly assigned. Despite the shortfall, the event went forward with no additional safeguards in place.

The lawsuit further alleges that Madison Square Garden security supervisors failed to implement basic crowd-control measures and did not restrict Lil Tjay’s access to the theater. Przybyszewski claims he acted under direct orders from venue supervisors and had no authority to refuse or delay the assignment.

The filing describes the scene as “uncontrolled,” citing loud crowds, insufficient staffing, and a lack of supervision that left officers exposed to unnecessary risk.

As a result of the injuries, Przybyszewski claims he now suffers from chronic pain, neurological symptoms, and lasting physical limitations. He also alleges significant financial harm, including lost overtime opportunities, reduced pension benefits, and diminished long-term earning capacity.

The officer is suing Lil Tjay for assault and battery. He is also bringing claims against Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., Madison Square Garden Corp., and Top Rank for negligence, negligent supervision, and premises liability.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, with final amounts to be determined at trial. Lil Tjay has not publicly commented on the allegations, and no criminal charges related to the incident have been announced.