Gok Wan, who performed at this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride, has shared graphic images following a homophobic attack on his assistant – who he considers ‘one of our family’.
Taking to his followers on Instagram, the TV star, who also works as a DJ, shared the news and appealed for witnesses. He also posted shocking images of Chris’s severe facial injuries that were sustained during the attack.
Starting with a stark warning that the post contained ‘sensitive and distressing content’, Gok began: ‘On 24th August at the Isolation Nation party in Alexandra Palace, one of our family was the victim of a horrific hate crime. This unprovoked attack happened to be on my Executive Assistant, Chris, and resulted in him attending A&E for an X-ray for a suspected orbital fracture, and stitches.’
Gok added that the police, after taking a statement from Chris, had ‘deemed this a hate crime motivated by bias against a person’s sexual orientation’.
He continued: ‘We have held off sharing this because until now, Chris has been waiting for a crime reference number from the Metropolitan Police and for their investigations to get under way. The police are already speaking to one witness and have full access to all the CCTV at the venue.
‘But we would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information, to come forward. Please contact 101, ask for the Met Police, and quote this reference number: 7729/24/August/2024.’
‘What happened on 24th August goes against everything we stand for and we are all deeply saddened and shocked by this homophobic attack,’ he added.
Turning to his friend and employee’s injuries, Gok praised the event’s team as he continued: ‘Chris would like to thank the security and events staff at the venue who were incredible at dealing with the assault.
‘In light of this incident, we reaffirm our commitment to making Isolation Nation a safe space for everyone.
‘Hate has no place in our community, and we will not allow fear to divide us. Now more than ever, we must come together to support one another and stand up against bigotry in all its forms.’