Gabrielle Carrington, 32, who appeared as a finalist on The X Factor in 2013, is charged with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and drink driving, according to the Metropolitan Police. The incident occurred outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho at around 4:30am on Sunday, April 19. Klaudia Zakrzewska, known online as Klaudiaglam, was struck by the car and initially in a life-threatening condition. Multiple reports state that Zakrzewska died on Saturday, April 25, though police have not confirmed her death and have only described her condition as critical. This discrepancy has caused confusion, with some outlets reporting her death while others quote her mother saying doctors do not believe she will survive.
Security guard Anoosh Chaichy, who was working at the nightclub, suffered serious lacerations to his leg but no broken bones, according to multiple UK media reports. A friend of Chaichy said he underwent surgery for a skin graft and is expected to be off work for six months. Chaichy was hit from behind while trying to unlock his e-scooter after his shift, the friend added. He has no family in the UK; they are mostly in Iran. A third woman, Latisha Armstrong, suffered minor wrist injuries, according to multiple reports. Two other people were also injured: a man in his 50s suffered serious, life-changing injuries and a woman in her 30s had minor injuries, research indicates.
Carrington appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, where she was remanded in custody and did not enter a plea, according to multiple reports. Prosecutor Rizwan Amin stated that there was an ongoing dispute between the parties and that CCTV showed Carrington's car mounting the pavement and striking Zakrzewska. Reports also indicate that the car reversed over Zakrzewska after hitting her. During the hearing, Carrington made a heart sign with her hands towards friends and family in court, according to multiple reports.
I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward.
Carrington is known online as 'rielleuk' and has over 360,000 Instagram followers, research shows. Zakrzewska had around 260,000 followers under the name 'klaudiaglam'. Both women had a significant social media presence, with Carrington's X Factor background adding to her public profile.
A video shared on X shows the fight and the car hitting Zakrzewska, according to research. Detective Chief Inspector Alixson Foxwell said: "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward." Police have not confirmed Zakrzewska's condition beyond saying she is in a critical state.
The incident occurred amid an ongoing dispute between the parties, the nature of which remains unclear. It is also unknown whether the car intentionally targeted the victims or was an accident. Carrington's next court date and bail status have not been disclosed. Additional victims or witnesses may not yet have been identified, and the exact timeline from the fight to the car hitting the pedestrians is still unclear.