Civil Suit Filed Against Portofino Manager

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) –  Lexington Police say their investigation continues in the case of an alleged assault that took place at Portofino Restaurant on November 5th.

ABC 36 previously reported that three African-American teen girls say Michael Robinson, a manager at Portofino Restaurant, chased them, used racial epithets towards them, and assaulted them after accusing them of stealing a jacket.

On Wednesday, Abigail Gates, the mother of one the teens, filed a civil suit on behalf of her daughter accusing Robinson of battery and false imprisonment.

The suit says Gate’s daughter suffered bodily injury as a result of Robinson’s alleged actions and is seeking punitive damages.

Michael Robinson’s attorney, Richard Getty told ABC 36 that he is certain that the suit will be thrown out.

According to Getty, viral posts and videos on social media have caused the local community to be deceived about what happened on November 5th. Getty claims his client never attacked the girls or used slurs, and that it was Robinson himself that was assaulted.

Robinson has also filed a complaint against the teens, according to his attorney.

ABC 36 has reached out to Abigail Gates’ attorney for a statement , but did not get a response.

Lexington Police say they are currently awaiting surveillance video to complete their investigation.

That footage belongs to Chase Bank located at the corner Martin Luther King and Main Street, located a few blocks away from Portofino Restaurant.