SEA CLIFF, NY  --  Nassau County police announced Saturday that they have made two arrests in the anti-gay attack on former "Top Chef" show contestant and her friends in September.

Openly gay Smith-Malave, who appeared on Season 2 of the Bravo reality series, said after the incidence that she and a group of six friends had gone to the Sea Cliff bar Partners following a barbecue on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. She and another woman, Emily Durwood, 30, had been dancing together inside the bar and had eventually been asked to leave.

"We were close — I'm sure we didn't look straight," openly gay Smith-Malave told The Advocate. "My hand was on her hip, my arm around her shoulder — we definitely looked like lesbians."

When they exited the establishment, they were met by a group of about 12 people, three of whom were women, who began to spit on them, punch them, and hurl epithets such as "fucking dyke" and "bush muncher."

Nassau County police announced the arrests Saturday, a day after Smith-Malave's attorney, Yetta Kurland, said she had filed a complaint accusing investigators of not pursuing the case energetically enough, AP reports. Kurland accused the police of not going after all suspects vigorously and for failing "to treat the vicious attack ... as the violent hate crime that it was."

Melissa Trimarchi, 21, was arrested Saturday night on a misdemeanor assault charge, police said. She was released on an appearance ticket until a Nov. 30 court date.

Police also said Elizabeth Borroughs, 20, had been arrested Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of aggravated harassment. She also was released on an appearance ticket and is due in court Friday.

A homeless man, 20-year-old Matthew W. Walli, was arrested in September on a charge of robbery as a bias crime; he was accused of stealing a victim's video camera during the attack.

Last update: 11-19-2007 00:00

Posted by Stan, on 11-19-2007 11:23, 1. ... As a straight man who has enjoyed the friendship of many gays and lesbians for decades, I hope the two arrestees, both very young, grow and learn from this.    And I also hope the entire community lets the restaurant know their intolerance is unwelcome.   » Report this comment to administrator »  Posted by Siri, on 11-19-2007 13:25, 2. Lesbian in Public part 1 of 2 Part 1 of 2    As much as the acts committed by the bigots are reprehensible (and dangerous - it could have ended worse), the two Lesbian women should have been more discreet. Ms. Smith-Malave is perfectly in her right to be openly gay, but rights have nothing to do with reality. Bigotry is not something that will ever go away. It should go away, but it won’t – that’s being realistic. Hate is part of human nature, laws can’t stop[ wars any kmore than they can stop bigotry, bigotry and intolerance adapts and finds ever new avenues to act out. ... continued...   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Bradley "Nightstallion", on 11-25-2007 18:25, 3. Rights have nothing to do with reality! The total quote says: "but rights have nothing to do with reality. Bigotry is not something that will ever go away. It should go away, but it won’t – that’s being realistic.    I beg to disagree please understand, I was in the Military. My purpose as Vowed in an Oath was to protect and defend the constitution. When I become faint in this resolve I lend permission to assholes to attack the innocent with no fear of reprisal.  I am a sex man~ that is I love sex I prefer two leggers because they are generally human and respond in KIND. Love, Work and Knowledge are worth our defence may it be so.   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Wishing4stars, on 12-05-2007 10:07, 4. Josie is a liar What the hell is "acting gay"? I'm straight and my girl friends and I hold hands, and dance together all the time. It normal. And how do we know Josie isnt lying about all of this?? HAVE YOU SEEN HOW HUGE SHE IS? SHE PLAYED FOOTBALL WITH MEN. I DOUBT she got beaten as bad as she said she did. DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ IN THE PAPER. Josie is a liar trying to get an extra 15 minutes of fame. If you read the stories from other papers since sept, the story differs in detail, its not consistant. SUSPICIOUS   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Autumn, on 12-06-2007 01:20, 5. To the previous blogger--you are crazy By refering to Josie as a liar you are perpetuating a ridiculous standard--that gays/lesbians have no valid opinions or claims. Lady--- you are clearly in denial about your own sexual idenity! Why would you ever try and blame the victim. You are advocating for the acceptance of hate crimes. Shame on you. People are people---PERIOD! Do you feel better denying gays and lesbians basic human rights-- such as the right to live without being beaten? It is people like you-- who as straight women dance on each other to entice men, you use the theory of lesbian women to enhance your sexuality!   » Report this comment to administrator