Ramona Singer may have been expecting admiration when she shared a recent photo on Instagram — but instead, she ignited a firestorm.
The Real Housewives of New York City alum, known for her outspoken nature and high-society lifestyle, found herself facing intense backlash after posing with a figure who remains at the center of a tragic and divisive New York City incident.
The Photo That Sparked Outrage
On Friday, the 68-year-old reality star posted a picture with Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old military veteran who was involved in a fatal subway incident back in May 2023.
Penny, who was later acquitted of homicide, had placed 30-year-old Jordan Neely — a homeless man suffering from schizophrenia — in a prolonged chokehold after witnesses said Neely was threatening passengers.
The chokehold proved fatal, and the event made national headlines.
Singer, seemingly proud of her encounter with Penny, captioned the post: “So proud Daniel Penny!! #apennysaved #hero.”
The photo was taken at a New York City event, reportedly also attended by former New York Governor David Paterson and ex-NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Backlash Hits Hard
While Singer may have intended to celebrate Penny, the public reaction was anything but celebratory.
Comments flooded her Instagram before she deleted the post, slamming her for using her platform — which boasts over 905,000 followers — to uplift a man some still view as controversial.
Critics didn’t hold back. One user wrote, “Literally murdered another human being in cold blood. But go off.”
Another questioned her morality: “Proud of what exactly? He murdered a homeless man! You are shameless.”
Others called her post “foul” and “low,” even by her standards.
Reddit Joins the Criticism
It wasn’t just Instagram where voices were raised.
Over on Reddit, users revived their long-standing criticism of the reality star.
One thread titled, “For anyone who needs a reminder that Ramona is the POS who ruined RHONY and shouldn’t be given a platform again” quickly gained traction, racking up more than 3,000 likes and nearly 600 comments by Sunday afternoon.
Singer Moves On with Family Time
Despite the controversy, Ramona spent Mother’s Day in a more personal way — celebrating with her 30-year-old daughter, Avery.
It was also Avery’s birthday, and the pair enjoyed the occasion together, seemingly unfazed by the online storm.
A Divisive Figure at the Center
Daniel Penny continues to stir divided opinions.
While he was cleared of legal wrongdoing in court, many believe the force he used was excessive.
Supporters, including actor Jon Voight — a vocal Trump ally who received a government leadership appointment earlier this year — have publicly defended Penny.
Voight called Penny a “hero” in a past interview and emphasized the difficult position Penny was placed in.
“I don’t know if I would have had the guts that he had,” the actor said.
“When someone says ‘I’m gonna kill somebody,’ and others can’t defend themselves — you act.”
Singer’s Team Yet to Respond
So far, Ramona Singer hasn’t offered a public explanation or apology for the post.
Dailymail.com reached out to her representatives for comment, but there’s been no official statement.
Whether she will address the backlash remains to be seen — but the internet isn’t likely to forget anytime soon.