A fellow disc jockey has pleaded guilty to a violent assault that left renowned DJ Fat Tony unconscious and hospitalised with serious facial injuries during a club set in Kent.
Violent Confrontation in the DJ Booth
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 14, 2024, at the Lido Leisure Centre in Margate, Kent. The venue was hosting a nightclub event featuring the 60-year-old music icon, whose real name is Anthony Marnoch.
According to reports, Zack Bradley, 37, who performs under the name ‘Zack Le Nez’, approached the DJ booth during the final 15 minutes of Fat Tony's set. When asked to leave with a friend so Tony could finish, Bradley allegedly shoved him and launched a torrent of abusive language.
Tony later stated to The Standard that the abuse was homophobic, claiming Bradley called him "a queer c**t". As Tony went to gather his belongings to leave, Bradley punched him twice in the face, as seen in shocking footage, knocking him unconscious on the ground.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Fat Tony told the Daily Mail he "woke up in an ambulance" and was informed he had suffered a fractured eye socket and a broken cheekbone. Kent Police confirmed they investigated the assault and that the victim was taken to hospital after initial treatment at the scene.
Zack Bradley, of Whitstable, Kent, was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH). He appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, where he entered a guilty plea. He was accompanied by family and wore a blue patterned suit and black turtleneck.
Judge Edmund Fowler noted Bradley would get credit for his plea, typically around 25%, but the final sentencing decision rests with the judge. The court also heard Bradley is subject to a known offender report, which will influence his sentence.
Physical and Emotional Fallout for Veteran DJ
Speaking after the hearing, Fat Tony expressed relief after a "traumatic year" and acknowledged Bradley's guilty plea would work in his favour. However, he revealed the lasting impact of the attack.
He has required security at his performances for the past year, feeling newly vulnerable while deejaying. "I love my job and love what I do, but it is sad that sometimes I no longer feel safe while playing," he said.
The veteran DJ also suffers ongoing side effects from his injuries, including muscle weakness on one side of his face around his eye and occasional headaches, though he accepts it could have been worse.
When Tony first revealed his swollen face and black eye on Instagram last December, cancelling events on doctor's orders, he received an outpouring of support from celebrities including Davina McCall, Patsy Palmer, Paloma Faith, David Furnish, and Pete Tong. He later claimed to have received messages of support from Sharon Stone and Jennifer Lopez.
