Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers uncomfortable.
On 16 June, the All Stars 7 talent took to Twitter to recount the terrifying incident, which occurred at a McDonald’s in Liverpool.
“Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way. Homophobia alive and well folks,” she wrote. “First time I’ve never retaliated in a fight because I’m not gonna punch somebody in front of kids and women. #pieceofshit.”
Shortly after The Vivienne opened up about the attack, fans flocked to her mentions with supportive messages.
One person wrote: “I’m at a loss for words. I’m so sorry this happened. Much love and light, Viv!”
Another person tweeted: “I’m so sorry this happened to you! This shouldn’t be happening in 2023.. We love you Viv!”
The Dancing on Ice star also received support from her fellow Drag Race stars like Shea Couleé, who wrote: “Damn Viv! I’m so sorry this happened to you. Hope you’re alright.
Bimini Bon Boulash echoed similar sentiments, writing: “Sending you lots of love babe. I’m sorry this happened to you. We’re living in such horrific times.”
Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way. Homophobia alive and well folks! First time I’ve never retaliated in a fight because I’m not gonna punch somebody in front of kids and women. #pieceofshit
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023
Fortunately a few hours after the attack, The Vivienne returned to social media to reveal that police captured the homophobic assailant.
“Huge thank you to the fantastic staff at @McDonaldsUK Edge Lane who acted fast and removed the idiot from the premises and did everything in their power to make sure I was ok and waited for police with me,” she wrote.
“He’s been arrested and in custody. Result, it’s so important that as a community we report and take action on hate crimes. Otherwise it continues to happen. Time to set an example!”
In one of her final Twitter updates, The Vivienne assured fans that she was okay before describing herself as a “tough cookie.”
Huge thank you to the fantastic staff at @McDonaldsUK Edge Lane who acted fast and removed the idiot from the premises and did everything in their power to make sure I was ok and waited for police with me 💚
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023
He’s been arrested and in custody. Result, it’s so important that as a community we report and take action on hate crimes. Otherwise it continues to happen. Time to set an example!
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023
“I’m a tough cookie, I’m on with my day, punch to the face or not. Not everybody is as big/strong/tall as me. I fears for the other that aren’t able to handle themselves and shouldn’t have to,” she explained.
The Vivienne’s horrifying experience comes a few months after the Home Office revealed that the number of hate crimes recorded in England and Wales reached a new high in 2022.
According to the report, there were 155,841 hate crimes recorded by police in the year ending March 2022 – which was an increase of 26% from the year ending March 2021.
Back in May, United Nations Independent Expert Victor Madrigal-Borloz attributed the rise of hate crimes to conservative politicians and their anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
“Across the UK, civil society and public officials informed the Independent Expert that such abusive rhetoric by politicians is trickling down and facilitating increasingly abusive and hateful speech in the social media, which in turn seems to be spurring rapid increases in the frequency of bias-motivated incidents of harassment, threats, and violence, including rampant surges in hate crimes,” Madrigal-Borloz said in his eye-opening country visit report.
I’m a tough cookie, I’m on with my day, punch to the face or not. Not everybody is as big/strong/tall as me. I fears for the other that aren’t able to handle themselves and shouldn’t have to
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023