The woman who accused “Good Day New York” co-anchor Greg Kelly of rape stepped out last night with her boyfriend for an evening stroll — as her defenders took to the Internet to blast The Post for identifying her.
A picture of Maria Di Toro appeared on The Post’s front page Thursday, enraging social network aficionados who believe — despite the findings of a lengthy Manhattan District Attorney’s Office investigation — that she is the victim of a sex crime.
One group even set up a Facebook page called, “Shame on the NY Post,” while others took to media-centric blogs to vent their anger.
But according to investigators, Di Toro was not a victim of rape, and could not even remember having sex with Kelly.
“Ms. Di Toro is not a victim of a sex crime,” said New York Post Editor-in-Chief Col Allan. “The Post only identified her after the district attorney made this determination.”
On Wednesday investigators determined it was impossible to pursue a case against the Fox 5 anchor because Di Toro had no memory of the alleged attack.
They were also concerned that she had waited more than three months to go to the authorities and had exchanged steamy text messages with the news anchor before and after their Oct. 8 night out when they met for drinks at the South Street Seaport bar Jeremy’s Ale House.
Surveillance video later showed the pair entering the downtown law firm where she worked and the alleged sexual encounter took place. On the tape, she appeared to walk without any signs of being drunk.
Kelly, who had taken a leave of absence from work while he was under investigation, returned to the air yesterday and thanked his own defenders.
“I’m very, very grateful for all the support I got here at Fox 5, the support from my family, friends, those I care about, and the viewers, of course,” he said. “They’ve been great.”
Sources have said that Di Toro, 29, became smitten with Kelly after a chance meeting on the street last fall and had made plans to meet again — even though she was still dating another man.
Last night, Di Toro declined to comment as she sauntered past reporters camped out in her Kips Bay neighborhood.
Fox 5 and The Post are both owned by News Corp.