Jan 6
UK Drag Superstar The Vivienne Left 'Speechless' After Light Sentencing in Assault Case
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UK British drag superstar The Vivienne was left "speechless" after a judge rendered a verdict in the trial of a man who assaulted her last summer at a UK McDonalds.
"In December, scaffolder Alan Whitfield, 51, was found guilty of punching the drag star, whose out-of-drag name is James Lee Williams, in an attack motivated by homophobia," reports Pink News.
In the sentencing on January 5, Judge Paul Healey told Whitfield that his "behavior was really appalling".
Adding: "The most serious aggravating feature of the offense is the fact that it was motivated by hostility to the victim because of their sexual orientation."
Whitfield was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months, and must abide by a two-year restraining order banning any contact with The Vivienne, including attending the drag star's performances.
"The Vivienne, who won the first season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' in 2019 and came in third in last year's 'Dancing on Ice,' shared on X/Twitter that she has 'no words' about the court's ruling on the homophobic attack," reports Pink News.
Earlier this week, the Vivienne read a statement in court. In the statement, Williams shared that he has never hidden who he is as a "proud gay man."
Williams continued: "It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am now a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my life." The drag performer explained that he suffered a "barrage of abuse" before being hit in the face with a "heavy blow."
The court ordered Whitfield to complete 12 sessions of mental health treatment and 10 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service, added Pink News.
"Whitfield, who pleaded guilty to assault by beating at an earlier hearing but denied the attack was homophobic in nature, must also pay £300 in costs, £300 in compensation and a £154 victim surcharge."
The court also acknowledged that the case would likely have not gone forward if it weren't for the The Vivienne's involvement. Senior district crown prosecutor Emily Lloyd said: "We would not have been able to prosecute this offense without the courage of the victim making a statement and coming to court to give evidence.
"Tackling hate crime is a priority for the CPS and we are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice. Homophobia has no place in our society, and it will not be tolerated in any form."
