Gemma Monk was doused in black paint by her sister-in-law Antonia Eastwood on her wedding day at Oakwood House Register Office in Maidstone on May 24, 2024. The attack occurred as Gemma arrived for her wedding, with Eastwood throwing black paint over her, ruining her dress. According to Maidstone Crown Court, the incident was described as deliberate and premeditated. Gemma Monk, however, was determined not to let the attack ruin her day. According to Daily Mirror - News, she described herself as determined that the wedding would happen, saying she would have walked down the aisle in her knickers if necessary. She composed herself, scrubbed the paint off, and changed into a replacement dress before marrying her partner, research indicates. The wedding proceeded two hours later, with guests applauding her as she walked down the aisle, according to Daily Mirror - News, a guest described her as strong-hearted.
Antonia Eastwood admitted criminal damage and was sentenced to a 10-month suspended sentence, unpaid work, and a restraining order. The court heard that the paint-throwing was deliberate and premeditated, according to Maidstone Crown Court. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the attack, which caused significant disruption and emotional distress. Eastwood's actions were motivated by a family feud dating back to her own wedding in 2023, when she claimed Gemma had tried to trip her, according to Eastwood. Neither Eastwood nor her husband were invited to the Monks' wedding, which may have fueled the attack.
We don't want anything to do with her.
The family feud has deep roots, with disagreements prior to the wedding. According to Daily Mirror - News, Ashley Monk, the bride's brother and Eastwood's husband, described disagreements in the family but declined to air them publicly. He also said they want nothing to do with her, according to Daily Mirror - News. The exact cause of the feud remains unclear, as does the reason Eastwood was not invited. The attack has left lasting scars on the family, with Gemma Monk suffering depression and being unable to work since the attack, according to Gemma Monk. The venue, Oakwood House, temporarily shut down for cleanup after the attack, research indicates. The bill for repairs and loss of revenue was believed to exceed £5,000, according to the court.
Unanswered questions remain about the feud and whether the attack was premeditated or spontaneous. The court described it as deliberate, but the exact planning is unknown. The current relationship between Gemma Monk and her brother Ashley is also unclear, as is the specific damages caused to the venue. The attack has highlighted the destructive nature of family disputes and the resilience of the bride, who chose to proceed with her wedding despite the ordeal.
She was strong-hearted. Everyone applauded her as she walked down the aisle.
There had been disagreements in the family prior to the wedding but I do not want to air them publicly.