The case of a gay couple assaulted outside New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2013 will be featured on Investigation Discovery’s one-hour special Hate in America premiering nationally Monday, Feb. 23 at 8/7c.
Hate In America features Emmy Award-winning journalist and Al Jazeera anchor, Tony Harris, as he travels to communities torn apart by violence, coming face to face with the victims of modern-day hate to examine the roots of intolerance in America through the lens of three recent hate crimes.
In the documentary, Tony examines the 2013 hate crime in which fashion designer Nick Porto and his then-boyfriend Kevin were called a homophobic slur by a passer-by following a Knicks Game at Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden. Porto confronted the man but was shoved to the ground and suddenly surrounded by a group of men, who pulled him into the street and beat him. He walked away with his life but, intent on not walking away from the issue of hate, Parto posted photos of his bloodied face on Instagram to share his story with the world.
“Tony Harris’ journey across the country in Hate In America is a heart-breaking reminder of the hate that still exists in our country today and, in fact, around the world as we learn of the horrors faced in the recent Sydney hostage situation or the Taliban attack on a Pakistani school,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President of Investigation Discovery, Destination America, American Heroes Channel, Discovery Fit & Health, and Discovery Family Channel. “Despite these setbacks in our pursuit for tolerance, Tony’s fervent investigation in Hate In America provides a glimmer of hope that there are undeniable signs of progress, people fighting back, and fighting for our future.”
“I remain deeply moved by the willingness of the people I met to share the stories of how their lives have been changed forever by hate and intolerance,” said Harris. “I can’t imagine anyone being unaffected by these powerful testimonials.”
Along with the brutal anti-gay attack on the streets of New York City, Hate In America features the racially charged murder of a black father in Mississippi who died after being beaten and run over and the gruesome mass shooting of a Wisconsin Sikh congregation. As Harris explores the motivations behind hate, he hears from a spectrum of advocates for change, including victims’ loved ones, community leaders, civil rights attorneys, SPLC’s founder Morris Dees, and even a former white supremacist – who now crusades for unity among the races.
