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Topics: UK News, no-article-matching, LGBTQ, Twitter, Social Media
Shola Lee
Topics: UK News, no-article-matching, LGBTQ, Twitter, Social Media
RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant Elektra Fence has claimed that he was the victim of a 'homophobic attack'.
Taking to Twitter yesterday, 26 April, Elektra – known outside of drag as Julian Riley – recounted his experience, which allegedly took place on a train journey from London Euston to Manchester.
On Twitter, Riley wrote: "On Sunday I was the subject of a homophobic attack whilst on @AvantiWestCoast Look after each other out there, friends; sadly these things still happen, somehow. My history has made me a tough cookie, like so many of us; I won’t be changing for anyone Love, Elektra xx"
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Riley shared screenshots from his notes app, explaining how he was just going to grab a cup of tea when a 'group of nine people' began to call him 'various homophobic slurs'.
The star tried to ignore the group and 'moved on' as he was 'alone' on the train.
However, on the way back from getting his tea, Riley said: "One of the men grabbed me and I was pushed on top of him, at which point he pulled open my jacket. Other members of the group then began putting their hands on me. It was incredibly aggressive and frightening and I felt totally helpless."
Riley was able to free himself by using a self defence move he had learned from TikTok, he said.
The group, which he said included five men and four women, continued to 'shout every homophobic slur under the sun' while 'pointing' and 'laughing' at the Drag Race contestant.
Riley said that he reported the incident to the train manager, called Lee, who made him 'feel safe' and got him a cup of tea and some biscuits.
After thanking the manager, he went on to say that he had later learned that a staff member on the train 'received racist abuse' from the same group.
The police were called but were not present when the group got off the train at Crewe Station.
Riley finished the post by explaining how 'attacks are at the back of many Queer people's minds every day, including mine'.
"I want you all to know that I am a strong resilient person and have suffered worse than this in my life.
"Despite this, I should not have to deal with or process an incident such as in this day and age."
People responded with support for the star on Twitter, with Avanti West Coast saying it will look into the incident further.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10 am–6pm Monday to Friday or email [email protected]