Daniel Penny made headlines again, but this time for a different reason. The former Marine, known for a controversial subway incident, took to the runway at a charity fashion show in New York City. On Saturday night, Penny strutted his stuff at the "Dressed to Kilt" event, showcasing a stylish kilt.
The event took place on the Upper East Side, where Penny received a warm welcome from the audience. As he walked the runway, the classic song “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler played, and the crowd applauded his appearance. Geoffrey Scott Carrol, one of the charity’s co-founders, introduced him with pride, highlighting Penny’s Scottish heritage and his strong ties to New York and the Marine Corps.
Penny’s participation in the fashion show comes after he gained notoriety for his involvement in a fatal incident on the subway in 2023. During that event, he restrained a man who was allegedly threatening passengers. The man, identified as Jordan Neely, was not armed at the time, and Penny was later acquitted of criminally negligent homicide charges related to the incident.
At the fashion show, Carrol described Penny as a hero who acted to protect the subway passengers during a tense situation. The event itself is known for its support of veterans and their families, with a partnership with the Navy Seal Foundation. The charity has raised significant funds over the years to assist those who have served in the military.
The venue, the Church of the Heavenly Rest, was chosen for its historical significance as a post-Civil War parish that provided support to veterans in need. The "Dress to Kilt" show, co-founded by the late actor Sean Connery, is recognized as the largest Scottish fashion event globally, attracting various notable figures over the years, including Ivanka Trump and Mike Myers.
Penny’s appearance at the show is a notable shift from his previous media coverage, marking a new chapter in his public life. While he did not comment to reporters after the event, his runway debut seems to signal a desire to move forward from the past.