Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Batman has a meltdown in New York's Time Square, needs two Spidermen to calm him down

The video shows a street performer dressed as the caped crusader lose his cool with a passerby

Kashmira Gander
Monday 23 December 2013 11:26 EST
Comments
A man in a Batman costume similar to the one worn by the angered impersonator in New York.
A man in a Batman costume similar to the one worn by the angered impersonator in New York. (Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Usually a calm and collected superhero that fights crime on the streets of Gotham City, a viral video has shown how Batman’s attitude changes when he’s in New York.

The clip filmed on Friday night shows a Batman impersonator in Time Square, New York, having an altercation with a man who accused him of swearing in front of his son and threatening to “kick [the passer-by's] ass”.

In the expletive-heavy video, a police officer separates the passer-by and the man dressed in the DC Comic book character’s signature black mask and cape.

Batman then says: “He ain’t got nothing on me” and yells that he “knows a gangsta when he sees one“ as another street artist dressed as Spiderman gently pats him on the back to calm him down.

Soon, the pair is joined by another Spiderman wearing a backpack who also tries to ease the situation.

Time Square is a popular tourist attraction in the US city where many street performers pose as film and TV characters.

NY Daily News has previously reported on the long hours that impersonators work for low wages. A separate Batman that spoke to the website earned $150 (£92) for a 15 hour day on average.

Last year, there were reports of another uncharacteristic explosion of anger in Time Square when a man dressed as the Cookie Monster allegedly harassed a mother and shoved her two-year-old son.

WARNING: video contains strong language that viewers may find offensive.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in