NYPD investigating actress Bynes allegations

Investigators on Saturday were looking into allegations made by actress Amanda Bynes that New York Police Department officers sexually assaulted her when she was charged with heaving a marijuana bong out the window of her 36th floor Manhattan apartment.

The 27 year-old former child star first alleged during her arraignment on Friday that police illegally entered her apartment after being called to her building. But in a Twitter message believed to be from the troubled actress posted on Saturday, Bynes alleged that her arresting officer also sexually assaulted her.

“As it would with any such allegation, regardless of its credibility, IAB is investigating it,” said the NYPD’s chief spokesman, Paul Browne, referring to the internal affairs bureau.

The Twitter handle used to make the sexual assault allegations on Saturday does not appear to be verified by the social network – but Bynes’ friend, former Hollywood publicist Jonathan Jaxson said on Saturday the tweet was made from Bynes’ account. Twitter did not immediately return a request for comment.

In court on Friday, the former Hairspray star made no mention of the sexual assault allegations, though she did complain of illegal entry to her apartment. She’s been charged with reckless endangerment, attempted tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of marijuana.

A law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of an ongoing investigation said the building manager was with officers at Bynes’ apartment when they arrived on Thursday night. The official said officers were kept waiting for approximately five minutes before she opened the door to them. The same official said the building manager told internal affair investigators that nothing untoward happened.

Bynes was released by Chief New York County Judge Neil Ross on her own recognisance because, Ross said, he did not believe her to be a flight risk. But in releasing her, Ross also issued a stern warning to Bynes telling her not to get re-arrested or miss any court dates. She’s due back in court on July 9.

Attempts to reach Bynes’ arraignment lawyer were unsuccessful on Saturday evening.

Bynes rose to fame starring in Nickelodeon’s All That and has also starred in several films, including 2010’s Easy A. But she has been in the news more recently because of several scrapes with the law and bizarre public behaviour.