Investigators are looking into claims made by actress Amanda Bynes that New York Police Department officers sexually assaulted her when she was charged after allegedly throwing a marijuana bong out of the window of her 36th-floor Manhattan apartment.
The 27-year-old former child star first alleged during her court appearance on Friday that police illegally entered her apartment after being called to the building. But in a Twitter message believed to be from the troubled actress posted yesterday, Bynes claimed her arresting officer also sexually assaulted her.
Amanda was arrested earlier this week
"As it would with any such allegation, regardless of its credibility, IAB is investigating it," said NYPD chief spokesman Paul Browne, referring to the internal affairs bureau.
The Twitter handle used to make the sexual assault claims does not appear to be verified by the social network- but Bynes' friend, former Hollywood publicist Jonathan Jaxson, said the tweet was made from Bynes' account.
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 has been charged with reckless endangerment.
Amanda's mugshot showing her shaved head
A law enforcement official said the building manager was with officers at Bynes' apartment when they arrived on Thursday night. Officers were kept waiting for about five minutes before she opened the door. The official said the building manager told internal affairs investigators nothing untoward happened.
Bynes was released by Chief New York County Judge Neil Ross on her own recognisance because, the judge said, he did not believe her to be a flight risk. But he also issued a stern warning, telling her not to get rearrested or miss any court dates.
Amanda as she is more recognised these days
Bynes, who is due back in court on July 9, 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.
Amanda Bynes Through The Years
