A social media personality, who was a contestant on a popular talent show, is facing legal actions for allegedly trying to kill another online content creator after an altercation outside a nightclub. Gabrielle Carrington, 29, was held in custody by Westminster Magistrates Court following an incident where her vehicle reportedly collided with three pedestrians, including Klaudia Zakrzewska, known as ‘Klaudiaglam’ on Instagram, outside a venue in London’s Soho early on a Sunday morning.
Authorities have charged Carrington with attempted murder, causing severe bodily harm with intent, physical harm, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol within 36 hours of the incident. The victim, Ms. Zakrzewska, is in a critical condition, while the collision also left security personnel Anoush Chyche with severe injuries and a third woman, Latisha Armstrong, with minor wrist injuries.
The charges against Carrington are linked to the alleged attack on Ms. Zakrzewska for attempted murder, injuries to Mr. Chyche for severe bodily harm, and injuries to Ms. Armstrong for physical harm. In court, Carrington, attired in a gray outfit, was accompanied by a female security guard and only provided her personal details without entering any pleas.
Numerous relatives and friends of both Carrington and Ms. Zakrzewska observed the proceedings from the courtroom gallery. Prosecutor Rizwan Amin informed the court about the incident’s details, indicating that Carrington was over the legal alcohol limit at the time of her arrest.
Following the court session, District Judge Nina Tempia ordered Carrington to be held in custody. Carrington gestured a heart sign to her family and friends before being escorted back to the detention area. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 19 at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing.
Hailing from Manchester, Carrington gained fame as a teenage contestant on The X Factor in 2013 and later built a significant following on Instagram under the username “rielleuk.” Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell expressed concern for the injured parties and urged any witnesses to come forward with information to aid the investigation.
The police clarified that the incident was not terrorism-related and encouraged anyone with relevant information to report it through official channels. Additionally, they discouraged the sharing of graphic online content related to the incident out of respect for the victims and to prevent any potential bias in legal proceedings.