A handicapped janitor’s suit alleges that in 2013, two cops in New York made fun of a disabled person. A woman by the name of Hannah Biggan, 53, who worked as a janitor at the 52nd Precinct station house for 23 years, has filed a lawsuit against two police officers – Nicholas Konner and John Repetti – who allegedly forced her to wear a shirt that read “I’M DOPE” with the words “@cashcowmovement” written underneath. According to the suit, the pair laughed and mocked the mentally challenged janitor, because she was not able to read the words written on the shirt.
A handicapped janitor’s suit filed in the Bronx Supreme Court against the city, officers Nicholas Konner and John Repetti, and her supervisor, has revealed some troubling details.
In May of 2013, Hannah Biggan, who had been working as a janitor at New York’s 52nd Precinct for over 23 years, was humiliated by two police officers.
The handicapped janitor claimed in court documents, that two police officers – Nicholas Konner and John Repetti – approached her and gave a shirt, which she stored in her locker.
According to Biggan, Konner told her that the overly large 3XL yellow shirt was a gift from rapper Cash Cow and it did not fit him. Later on, Konner forced her to wear the embarrassing T-shirt with the words “I’M DOPE” and “@cashcowmovement” written on it.
Officers Nicholas Konner and John Repetti asked her to read the words and when the handicapped janitor was unable to do so, they ridiculed her. Repetti took several photos of the handicapped janitor in the sad T-shirt.
In her discrimination lawsuit, Hannah Biggan confessed to being hurt and humiliated by the incident. Biggan, who has a speech impediment and who limps due to a metal plate in her knee, explained:
“They asked me if I could read it, and I said that I couldn’t read, I tried to read it, but I couldn’t.”
She revealed that she became depressed after her sister told her what was written on the T-shirt. According to Biggan’s lawyers, Michael Borrelli, Alexander Coleman and Todd Dickerson, her sister contacted a supervisor who failed to take action.
The former janitor, who worked at the Norwood station house, said:
“When I got home, my sister Maryann told me what it said . . . And I got really depressed and angry at them for doing that to me because I’ve never done anything bad to them.”
After May 20th, 2013, Biggan started to have suicidal thoughts and see herself as a stupid human being. She stated:
“I wanted to hurt myself. I did think of ways to do it, like, get hit by a car.’’
The city’s Corporation Counsel issued a statement on the suit that read:
“We will evaluate the case based upon the facts we learn in discovery.”
According to the New York Post, rapper Cash Cow was really touched by Biggan’s story and plans to raise money for her. Cash Cow, aka Justin Ross, said Friday:
“Hannah Biggan is more than what she is. There are a lot of Hannah Biggans all over the place and we want them to know they are supported.”
The hip-hop artist also used the opportunity to share the real meaning behind the phrase “I’M DOPE’’ that he used in a song. He explained:
“ ‘I’m dope’ is basically saying ‘I’m cool, I’m hot, I’m smokin’, I’m the best.’”
Biggan’s lawyers have come out to express their gratitude after hearing about Cash Cow’s comments. They shared in a statement:
“We are heartened that Cash Cow has reached out to our client and wants to help bring a small glimmer of hope to this otherwise awful situation.”
Repetti and Konner have declined to comment on the story. A handicapped janitor’s suit has brought some attention to a serious problem: The way society sometimes deals with those who are disabled. Does this lawsuit have any merit?
