Comedian Rosie Jones Targeted in Ableist and Homophobic Assault on Train
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A harrowing incident has left British comedian Rosie Jones and a friend the victims of an ableist and homophobic attack while traveling on a train in south London. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 5th, involved the pair being verbally mocked and physically assaulted with wine.
Rosie Jones, 35, who lives with cerebral palsy, has increasingly spoken out about the daily prejudice she faces. Just weeks prior to the attack, she discussed the constant judgment she experiences from the public. This latest incident underscores the pervasive nature of discrimination and the vulnerability of individuals with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Details of the Attack
According to reports, Jones and fellow comedian Lee Peart were traveling from Brighton to Victoria when they were accosted by a group of three individuals. Peart described the assailants as having first “mocked” both of their voices before throwing wine at them.
A heartbreaking video shared on social media showed Jones and Peart covered in wine while still on their journey. Peart, visibly shaken, stated, “You know what that was from? Being attacked by ableist and homophobic a**s.” Jones herself expressed her frustration, saying, “Three people mocked both of our voices, threw wine at us. What a fg waste!”
Police Investigation Underway
The British Transport Police (BTP) responded to the incident at East Croydon railway station around 10:30 p.m. on October 5th. Authorities confirmed they are investigating reports of abuse and assault.
A BTP statement read, “Officers were called…following reports of a group of people abusing and assaulting other passengers on a train from Brighton to Victoria. Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who witnessed anything or has any information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 672 of 5 October.” The BTP transported the pair home and were described as “wonderful” by Peart.
A Pattern of Harassment and the Importance of Mental Health
This attack is not an isolated incident for Jones, who has previously opened up about facing online harassment and the toll it has taken on her mental health. She revealed she sought therapy after being targeted by trolls following her appearance on Channel 4’s Taskmaster.
Jones further explained that filming her documentary, *Rosie Jones: Am I A R***d?, also significantly impacted her well-being, prompting her to begin therapy. “Doing that documentary took a toll on my mental health and I started therapy because of it, which I am so happy about,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health, stating, “Financially, it can be a problem, but I would say to anybody who can afford therapy to do it because your brain is the most important part of you and you don’t need to wait until you’re at rock bottom to check in on yourself.”
Peart shared an update on social media, stating, “Thank you for your lovely messages and we are both doing fine, and yes, we have reported it.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the urgent need to combat prejudice and hate crimes.
