My Wall Street Arrest – NOT Occupy Wall Street

Stupid way to protest. After you get raped, you will see i was correct. There are people out there that will rape the shit out of that girl, that is why the police got you off the street. They know what will happen, you should thank those policemen.

If there was only this much transparency at 11 wall street.

Wow! I'm actually talking to real naturists! This is amazing, I've never met a fellow naturist in my life. Finally, interacting with other like-minded people doesn't have to be so ephemeral. Sorry, but this isn't for any perverse intent. Just happy to meet new people, well, not physically, but a meeting nethertheless.

Run the experiment again but have a guy do the same thing. Then take em to court. At this point in time going topless just shouldnt be that big of a deal

This work apparently spawned "Occupy Wall Street", the massive social movement, which itself, will last at least until the weather grows cold.

When I'm elected dictator, the legality of public toplessness will be based entirely on the attractiveness of the breasts.

Felicity, I congratulate you on what you did! Having said that, I agree with Paul Rapoport who is an expert on this subject. Technically it is still illegal for a woman to be topless in public in NYC because the law against it is still on the books even though it has been found unconstitutional. The fact that it is still on the books still gives the police the right to arrest you but your charges will be dropped because it is not worth their time to prosecute you just to loss the case later on constitutional reasons. The other tactic that the police will use is to arrest you for disorderly conduct which can be anything they decide is disorderly. Unfortunately the fact is that the police can arrest you whenever they want even if they know that the charges won’t stick.

Nice Article

Well, no matter what Felicity... this is all just the stuff that people have to go through to get to a place where the irrational doesn't rule like it's rational. That's all. I walk around completely topless as m character "Harvey Van Toast" — in Manhattan. Everywhere. Alot. And though the ignorant police officers and ignorant laypeople don't see that their reactions are simply irrational relics... that will happen in the end if we just all keep going.

Wonderful and it was within your rights If you need our help let us know Best Naturally Barry

OMG!! I can't believe this. That is such BS!! So sorry to hear that you had to go through this. You should definitely try to fight it.

Serves you right, you must be desperate for attention. There's a difference between nudists and naturalists and exhibitionists. I agree with the cop on this one, this is not art, just an attention ploy!

OMG FELICITY!!! thats madd doodoo. i just found out. tell everybody when your summons date is and i'm willing to come show support!! that can also me countered with sexism, considering, a guy topless wont get in trouble as opposed to a female..

Unfortunately, the police dont appreciate naturism in the public. With all that being said and done, I would not go through the drama with them. I tried the International Bike Ride and was told to put my clothes on and keep them on or get arrested...I kept my clothes on...Dont want the DRAMA..

You're a worthy and entertaining keeper of the naturism torch. Thank you. Anyhoo,as far as I can tell,you broke NO law. By all means,enjoy the settlement. One would think the NYPD would have gotten tired of paying them by now,but apparently not.

It is so interpretive anymore. I believe the law essentially says a female can go topless anywhere a male can go but it isn't so black and white/yes or no. In NYC, definitely a permit was needed and the cops notified. The lawyer should have been onsite to intervene then and there. however, the city has a set of laws different from the rest of the civilized world in that probably even males can't go topless within city limits. maybe it was because you weren't wearing shoes at the time! lol In any event take solice in the fact that you wierded him out enough with the invisible dog that he'll probably ask to go on disability for mental stress! I applaud your making a statement and exercising your rights! I support you all the way!

please be sure to file a complaint and se it through to the end.

This would never happen in Spain.

This was a comment I found on one of the online articles: It's a poem which may cheer you up or amuse you: Birthday suits on the Street of Wall Gal and gents stood cool and tall Art in the glorious buff, y’all Education project thy noble call The First Precinct, the oldest in town Has seen it all with a groan and frown Surely, this public art caused a smile On that trillion dollar capital mile Or maybe just a nod and wink As we default, downgrade, and sink, sink, sink

Hey Felicity, The media needs to be aware that you were topless and were arrested for disorderly conduct by walking a fake dog. You may want to formally contact the press, NY Times about the article they published and send out a new press release. Keep in mind that they did acknowledge this in their article when they state that you were dressed: "There, three people — two men and a woman dressed (briefly) as a stock trader, a janitor and a dog-walker — were arrested and taken to a nearby precinct, where they were given summons for disorderly conduct and later released." (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/arts/design/zefrey-throwells-ocularpation-wall-street.html) You may additionally need to submit an image as proof which you have. The more media coverage, the better chances you will be able to settle without having to go to court. Be sure not to sign any confidentiality agreements and fight this until you get exactly what you want. The police made a speculative error because the other men were butt naked. Your character in this art project needs to be identified precisely for what it is...a natural freedom. If I were you, I'd go back to the same location a second time and walk around the area topless with a man who is also topless. Let this make news headlines and you can reflect back on the incident prior as to the motive of this particular art project. Be sure to let the press know in advance so they can be on scene to cover the story exactly how it is. Also, have your own people filming and documenting the ordeal to be certain the press is not paid off. BTW: I spoke with the NYTimes Sync division and they mentioned this was a top story in their edition that week. Additionally, I told him I knew the girl and he was laughing about it stating "The one that went all the way?" He was later in dismay to learn that you were within her legal rights because you were topfree not bottomless. Seriously, you need to be strong and go back to the scene, making this a recurring offense/situation with one other person who is not completely naked. If you get thrown in jail once again, your case will be singled out separate from the other two guys who were arrested and charged wrongfully with "Indecent exposure". This is one reason why women don't take advantage of their topfreedom. Perhaps you will be the one to properly implement this change.

Some on here have suggested "getting a permit" from the city... this is totally assinine! No one needs a permit to do something that is already completely legal, and in fact a guaranteed protected RIGHT of the people (to assemble, speech, etc.) Why is it that so much of the sheeple bow to their masters in government when in reality, it is supposed to be the government agents working FOR US!

So the thieves on Wall Street don't get arrested for stealing real money, but someone innocently walking their air dog does. Sorry you had to go through that Felicity. Unjust.

I cannot add anything that has not already been said, except my complete support. I do hope there is some litigation though, as it would seem to be completely valid. -Danee

Full nudity as done by your fellow performers is illegal, but recent court case sided with females in NY State, that women have the right to be topless. The decision stated if man can be topless than it is sexual descrimination for women to be told thay can not be topless. Hope you take action to secure your rights.

While YNA and I have not always seen eye to eye Felicity should not have been arrested let alone held and that alone should have umph in court if indeed it goes that far. A cop can not be offended regardless of personal views, since they are payed to be. A public citizen must make a complaint against an individual so Im not sure how she could be charged." disturbing the peace" at 7am? . Most nudity arrests are often because a cop happened to witness it and had to do something, not because of a public complaint. What bothers me is that I am constantly encountering and hearing about law enforcement that does not know the statutes and laws that are being enforced.

Congratulations - you just discovered why every jurisdiction has a "disorderly conduct" law. It is so vague and open to interpretation by the witnessing officer that ANYONE can be arrested and taken off the street. Sure, no "real" law was broken, but they can always nail you with disorderly conduct.

I think it's time that more women walked around topless in NYC and carried in their pocket a copy of the LAW that allows for being topless. Then, when cops give them shit, they can bring out the law, quote the code, put it back in their pocket, and move along. These asshole cops are starting to piss me off with their power tripping attitudes. And last I checked, it's not illegal to walk a fake dog, cat, or cougar. Might be weird, but weird isn't illegal. ;)

Hi Paul, I sense hostility from you; wow. You copied and pasted one brief sentence from the entirety of my "2 cents" input and then proceeded to berated me; not nice Paul. I re-read my entire input and yes I can re-phrase. So here goes---- "In NYS it considered lewd or indecent exposure if one goes in PUBLIC totally nude and the offender can be arresttg and chargeg with either of those offenses or both". I hope that clears things up--sorry about any spelling and grammatical errors:) I found it amazing how you only took a brief sentence out the entirety of what I was saying, just to be hostile. Paul, I am not associated any movements or protests, I am a nudist--as simple as black and white. And, please, if you have knowledge of any information that will/can clarify what I have said, please do so, but leave the hostility behind. I have the right to say whatever I want to on this blog, just like you do. If the owner of the blog does not want it posted then it will not appear. My comments voiced concerns about the preparation, "act", and subsequent consequences of those involved. I don't see anyone offering those arrested any money for their upcoming legal fees and fines. I just feel the "act" should have been more official and planned better to avoid anyone being arrested. Period.

"please understand that being totally naked outdoors whether your acting or not, is against the law in NYS." is incorrect, and not just in spelling. One problem with the Internet is making pronouncements like this, and making something complicated look black and white. Unless you have knowledge in a matter, it's best not to write about it.

Well done, dear Felicity. This police officer broke the law by arresting you since it IS LEGAL to go topless in NYV since 1992. If you would like me to refer you to the civil rights lawyer who defended NYC private citizen, Phoenix Feeley in 2005, please write to [email protected] This email will get to me. Also Gotopless.org has a National Gotopless Day for the 4th year in a row on AUGUST 21, please join us!!!

You Should now Sue the city for false arrest and violating your rights. It is Legal for you to be topless in NYC Anywhere in NYC. children around or not. You have a really good case and for the rest of us to enjoy freedom I hope you get a good lawer.

Hi Felicity, I have some mixed feelings about this. First of all, you did NOT break any statutes or laws. In fact, in the early 90s, the NYPD was sued for arresting a topless woman; I believe the women was compensated with a few hundred of thousands of dollar. Please research for the case law as I do believe it is legal for anyone (male and female) to go outside topless in NYS. Secondly, what I did notice was everyone's lack in pointing out that the totally naked males and anyone else who was totally naked outdoors as part of this "act" was breaking the law, according the NYS law. Now, before anyone jumps down my throat, please understand that being totally naked outdoors whether your acting or not, is against the law in NYS. Here are my points of interest. Was this "act" planned out correctly? Was probable or potential legal issues disclosed and discussed before the "acting" started? For example, what are the risk involved, what if someone get arrested (as what occurred)? Was anything like this disgussed at the prep meeting? Being charged with disorderly conduct is a violation and usually would not "follow" someone. However, indecent exposure is a serious offense and can effect someone's ability to hold or get a job. And, in some jurisdiction, if someone is found guilty of indecent exposure, they have to register as a sex offender. Yes, this is true; please research it for its truth worthiness. Yes, I am a nudist/naturist, and yes , I would be naked at all times and everywhere, if it was possible. But it is not, as nudist etiquette does not apply to the textile world--as we saw. I just wonder whether the ends justify the means. What is the lasting affect? Was anything "won"? One idea, maybe in the future, a permit could be obtain, to allow a demonstration or act of this kind (involving totally nudity). I believe a permit would have done alot more good for nudism than bad. Just my two cents.

As for someone saying "I hope your arrest was well recorded because cops lie and will often stand up for each other far sooner than they will stand up for the citizens who they are hired to protect. " I think pics are all that's needed and I'm sure you have enough of all the cops there and they don't look like they are directing traffic. Like to see the arresting cops say that is not there faces? I see a police car number fully shown and nice HD pic of face on one where you standing next to car handcuffed I would guard them very well and copy those pics to paper and to a few good flash sticks so as not to risk computer crashes and anything else you have them on like SD card I bet there are on now? might be good evidence to prove you were ever arrest should they lose there records of it (convenietely) ? Also copy down an as accurate time line of events, I always say better to have more info then less and be prepared to answer all questions that may come up in court as better to have it all on paper so you can answer quick and precise as possible. Just some thought on how to handle court case I'm not a lawyer but been to my share of court cases!!

What first amendment rights? You're not a corporation.

I think the art on Zefrey's website ended up looking really unique, cool. I don't think you should give up, change requires work and it's nice to see NYC is progressive enough to allow toplessness and gay marriage, etc. The rest of this immature country is depending on the few and the brave....you guys. It is obvious that the policemen don't know the law. So I would recommend printing out the law or ordinance so that if they ever question your being top free you can show them exactly what the law says. "Those who can't hear the music, think the dancers mad." - Chinese Proverb

I'm not sure I get the "art" aspect of the piece, but art is subjective and not for everyone to get. When I see the "artist" was "inspired for the project by his mother who lost all her retirement money in the stock market crash" it seems to be more of a protest than art. Honestly I don't care, as long as my tax dollars are not funding it. Do what you want! There was a time when that was possible in this country. I personally think you should be able to take your top off if you want. I certainly would not complain.

Although I expect charges have been dismissed by now, all of you (as the rest of the world) would do well to take civil action against NYC. Your topfreedom equality has been addressed by NY's highest court in http://www.law.cornell.edu/nyctap/I92_0160.htm and I am quite sure that the nudity in the remainder of your skit, which was political expression, has been upheld as a constitutional right of expression and protest of government. I hope your arrest was well recorded because cops lie and will often stand up for each other far sooner than they will stand up for the citizens who they are hired to protect.

Proud of u! Thanks for being willing to put yourself out there on behalf of the rest of us -- on Wall St., no less!

Congrats Felicity! You made the NY Times. I hope you don't mind that I linked this blog entry to the comments on Facebook If you want me to pull it, just let me know : )

I think the NYC Police Department should be sued. You violated nothing, and were well within your rights. I would advise you to contact the american civil liberties union and have the arresting officer charged. Abuse of power is sickening. Unfortunately, there are some people who slip through and are allowed to become police officers. This is a travesty. Your rights were violated, and he needs to be punished.

First, I must write how disappointed I am with "The land of the free". Second, must write that I saw several articles regarding this issue including one with a picture of you and although this is out of context: YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!!!

"Alas, his opinion was disregarded, and they gave us back our stuff, including the janitor broom and my makeshift leash, now bent up and distorted." you guys are lucky the cops didn't use the janitor broom u know where!!!!

You definitely need to press charges. You were falsely arrested. If you need legal assistance, lawyer Allen Baylis of The Naturist Society might be able to help.

This is completely ridiculous! If you have court you should fight it. Hopefully the Gotopless Day folks will go past this street. Even if they don't, the more people who participate the more likely the cops will get the message.

wow tat is horrible! its perfectly legal to walk topless in NYC. Sorry to hear u were arrested :/ i hope nothing sticks, dumb cop

<a href="http://www.gotopless.org/news.php?item.3.1http://www.gotopless.org/news.php?item.3.1<br /> present to your Attorney and give it to the NY precinct cops that are so stupid they don't even know the laws or statutes to arrest under. You along with others should have been set-free and he was false imprisoning you for his biased opinion or arousal on being topless and art is subjective so cop loses there, too..bad cop = no donut... .http://naturisteducation.org/Toni_Egbert_Library/State_Supreme_Courts/NY_v_Santorelli/ny_v_santorelli.html

I smell a law suit...u did nothing illegal...sometimes it takes a lawsuit like this to force the police to learn the laws in this city. Totally BS...good luck, u should never have been humiliated in that way.

What about prosecuting the cop for not obeying NYS law. Should he lose his job? Probably not that severe a punishment but there should be some punative public action taken against said police officer