The Associated Press has reviewed an even longer version of the extended surveillance video TMZ released Monday that allegedly shows NFL star Ray Rice striking his then-fiancee in an elevator.
There’s little new information gleaned from the longer cut of the extended surveillance video, judging by the AP’s report. But the audio, which had not previously been reported on, adds context to what we already know about what happened between Rice and Janay Palmer back in February at an Atlantic City casino.
Both Rice and Palmer, who is now his wife, can be heard shouting obscenities at each other, according to the AP. The higher-quality video also apparently showed Palmer spitting in Rice’s face right before he delivered a knockout punch.
Audio also revealed hotel staffers’ reaction to the incident. One staffer can be heard saying “She’s drunk, right?” and “No cops” after Rice drags Palmer out of the elevator, according to the AP. Rice doesn’t respond to the staffer’s comments, the report said.
The AP was shown the video by an anonymous law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to release it.
Palmer addressed the newly surfaced surveillance footage for the first time Tuesday in an Instagram post.
“I woke up this morning, feeling like I had a horrible nightmare, feeling like I’m mourning the death of my closest friend,” she wrote. “But to have to accept the fact that it’s reality is a nightmare itself. No one know the pain that the media & unwanted options from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret everyday is a horrible thing.”
Quick question: Why is TPM calling it the “Alleged Rice Elevator Incident”?
What part of the incident is alleged?
These two are in serious need of counseling. And that is no excuse for hitting a woman.
As an armchair psychologist, with years of training in living, I see two people who have never had to be adults, using their talent and looks as crutches instead. Once they were well lubricated and in close proximity in the elevator with no one else there, they acted like the 6 year olds they both were stuck on. Counseling will help them, but being forced to grow up will work a lot better.
I didn’t watch the video. It’s not like I need reminding that this kind of violence exists. But this all leaves me confused. Not sure what to make of this story. Not sure it should even be in my consciousness. It’s their lives. Clearly she’s standing with him/by him - she married him after the incident. So I just have no idea. I think the Ravens did the right thing - must respond publicly and harshly to that kind of violence towards a woman. But clearly the wife herself is not asking for help, is not responding to any doors for help that this public airing might be opening. At least not yet. Maybe they really did go through some kind of process together. Or maybe they will a long time from now. I just don’t know. The whole thing feels awful, but it also feels voyeuristic at this point. It all feels like speculations, and personality speculation, in someone’s private life where I don’t need to be. Can there be legal repercussions for him if she doesn’t press charges?
“No cops.”