Drag artist ‘punched to floor’ in brutal Soho attack
A gay drag artist has alleged he was attacked outside a nightclub in London because of his sexuality.
20-year-old Benedict Stewardson – who performs as Rodent DeCay – was outside The Box in Soho last night, while dressed in drag.
A man approached, before punching Mr Stewardson in the face, and knocking him to the floor.
Mr Stewardson wrote on Facebook: “Tonight I was attacked in Soho.
“I was punched in the jaw against a wall while I was waiting for a friend outside the box.
“The told me Halloween hadn’t started yet. I asked them why were they wearing a mask then.
“They asked me to fight them, told me I had a problem, told me it is Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve and that I’m wrong because I get ‘bummed’.
“They punched me in the jaw against a wall and ran. London is not safe for people like us. I’m so ashamed of being a victim because I never thought I would let myself become one.
“Please be safe. All of you. I’m so angry and so upset. I didn’t tell anyone at UltraViolet afterwards because I was too upset, angry and ashamed. But please, please be careful.
“I’m so scared now about what can happen to people like me. I’m sorry if this status sounds dramatic but I really need to vent it out. Please, please stay safe.”
A Metropolitan police spokesperson told the Mirror “Westminster police is committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms and is dedicated to working with, and improving services for the LGBT communities within the City of Westminster.”
