YouTube star denies lying to police over ‘anti-gay attack’ claims
A British YouTube star has appeared in court accused of lying to police over claims he was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime.
McSwiggan’s troubles began in June, when he posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed on social media, claiming that he was attacked outside a gay bar by three men in West Hollywood.
He told concerned fans that he had three broken teeth and needed stitches in his head following the attack.
However, West Hollywood police revealed the YouTuber was arrested after officers witnessed him vandalising a car near the club.
They also alleged McSwiggan lied about the anti-gay attack in order to avoid punishment, intentionally causing injuries to himself whilst in custody. A mugshot released appeared to show him unharmed as he entered police custody.
McSwiggan appeared in court this week to plead not guilty to charges of filing a false police report and vandalism.
He is next scheduled to appear in court on November 7.
In a previous statement, the YouTuber claimed: “Many people are trying to discredit my story but this is the full and entire truth. Just because there were no visible marks on my face does not mean I was not attacked.
“Being accused of being a liar and being called a disgrace to the LGBT+ community, a community I’ve dedicated my life to, is more painful than any hate crime could ever be.”
