The man accused of brutally beating a nurse in a Midtown bathroom because she wouldn't dance with him is reportedly claiming self defense. Mbarek Lafrem, a construction worker, was arraigned yesterday on charges of attempted murder, attempted rape and assault. Police say the Lafrem attacked a 29-year-old pediatric nurse from Connecticut in a women's bathroom at the Midtown bar Social, leaving the woman hospitalized with a broken nose, broken jaw and fractures to her eye socket and skull. Doctors performed reconstructive surgery on her this week. Court papers say Lafrem told police the woman pushed him first.

Gee whiz ...