January 5th 2024.
The Vivienne, the former Drag Race UK star and Dancing On Ice contestant, is feeling "no words" after learning that Alan Whitfield, the man who viciously attacked them in a hate crime, has received a suspended jail sentence.
The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, was punched by unemployed scaffolder Alan Whitfield, 51, as they waited for food at McDonald’s in Liverpool on June 16 last year.
At Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday, District Judge Paul Healey acknowledged that Whitfield's "appalling" behaviour was motivated by hostility towards the victim's sexual orientation. The judge also noted that the assault had taken place in an enclosed public area in the presence of children, who were moved out of harm’s way.
Despite The Vivienne tweeting that Whitfield had received a 12 month suspended sentence, the former Drag Race UK star was actually handed a 12-week suspended jail term and must abide by a two-year restraining order banning any contact with them.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, The Vivienne revealed that the attack left them feeling "stressed, anguished and ongoing trauma." As they said, "As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself. It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am for the first time in my life a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my authentic life."
The Vivienne has made it clear they are disappointed with the sentencing and the effects of this traumatic experience will undoubtedly stay with them for a long time. It is heartbreaking to see that in 2021, people can still be subjected to violence and abuse due to their sexuality. Hopefully, this serves as a lesson to those who think it is ever okay to act in such a way.
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