Searching for What Pretty Means After an Acid Attack

Searching for What Pretty Means After an Acid Attack centers on Nafiah Ikram’s effort to rebuild her sense of self after a sulfuric acid assault five years ago in Elmont, Long Island. At age 27, she describes the monthly ritual of getting her nails done in an attempt to regain normalcy and confront the “monster” she sometimes sees in mirrors. In February, Nassau County police and prosecutors said they had identified Terrell Campbell, known as “YungBasedPrince,” as the suspect; he pleaded not guilty to assault and other charges. Investigators said the attack was linked to his rap career, including a 2023 YouTube video titled “Obsidian.” The night of St. Patrick’s Day in 2021, around 8 p.m., Ikram said the attacker threw acid at her after she noticed him watching her, leading to second- and third-degree burns and multiple surgeries. The case highlights ongoing challenges in violent-attack accountability despite the recent identification.