Orange is the New Black Star Dascha Polanco Accused of Assault

Dascha Polanco, who plays Dayanara Diaz on Orange is the New Black, is facing assault, attempted assault and harassment charges after allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old girl inside the actresses' home this summer, Page Six reports. Polanco appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday to face the charges - the very day she turned 33, no less.

Polanco was arrested in July after, court papers say, she attacked Michelle Cardona. "Ms. Cardona observed the defendant strike Ms. Cardona about the face and head with a closed fist at least three times, pull Ms. Cardona's hair, and strike Ms. Cardona's arms with the defendant's hands and nails," the documents read. Cardona was hospitalized for her injuries.

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Polanco's defense lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, called the case a setup. "This young woman was trying to extort her to drop the case. We're confident the charges will be dismissed."

Polanco is due back in court in January.