Gabrielle Carrington, 32, a social media influencer known as RIELLEUK and a former X Factor finalist, has been charged with murder following a hit-and-run outside the Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at around 4:30am on Sunday, April 19. Police also charged her with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and drink driving. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges in a statement, adding that Carrington was the driver of the black Mercedes involved in the incident.
The incident claimed the life of Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, a social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, known as Klaudiaglam. Zakrzewska was initially in a life-threatening condition in hospital, according to police. Her mother posted on GoFundMe that doctors did not believe she would survive. Zakrzewska died on Saturday, April 25, multiple reports confirmed. Two other pedestrians were also struck: security guard Anoush Chyche, 59, from north London, who suffered life-changing injuries including serious lacerations to his leg requiring a skin graft, and Latisha Armstrong, who suffered minor injuries to her wrist. According to a friend, Chyche was hit from behind while trying to unlock his e-scooter after his shift at Citidel Securities. He has no family in the UK, as they are mostly in Iran.
Carrington appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, where she was remanded in custody. During the hearing, she made a heart sign with her hands towards friends and family in the courtroom, according to multiple reports. Prosecutor Rizwan Amin stated that there was an ongoing dispute between the parties and that they are known to each other. CCTV footage shown in court depicted Carrington arriving in her car, having an altercation with a male, then re-entering the vehicle and sharply mounting the pavement, striking Zakrzewska. Police believe Carrington was the driver, and Detective Chief Inspector Alixson Foxwell has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Carrington, who has over 360,000 Instagram followers under the name 'rielleuk', was a finalist on The X Factor in 2013, according to multiple reports. The argument that preceded the incident reportedly started inside the nightclub and moved outside. The exact nature of the dispute between Carrington and Zakrzewska remains unclear, as does whether Carrington intentionally drove into the victims. Carrington's defense or explanation for the incident has not been made public. Her next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the social media profiles of both Carrington and Zakrzewska. The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate, and further charges may be brought. The court proceedings are ongoing, and Carrington remains in custody.