X Factor Finalist Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Soho Car Incident
Former X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with the attempted murder of a social media influencer in central London. The 29-year-old singer, who reached the live finals of the popular television talent show in 2013, is accused of deliberately hitting Klaudia Zakrzewska with her car outside a nightclub in Soho.
Dramatic Court Appearance and Heart Sign Gesture
During her appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, Carrington made a heart sign with her hands to friends and family in the packed public gallery as she was led from the dock. Dressed in grey and standing with her hands on her hips, she listened as District Judge Nina Tempia ordered her to be held in prison until her next hearing at the Old Bailey on May 19.
The defendant, who has more than 365,000 Instagram followers under the handle RIELLEUK, did not enter any pleas to the multiple charges against her. Family and friends of both Carrington and the alleged victim attended the emotional court proceedings.
Early Morning Incident Outside Nightclub
The alleged attack occurred at approximately 4:30 AM on Sunday outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho. According to prosecutors, Carrington intentionally drove her Mercedes into Ms. Zakrzewska, a TikTok and Instagram influencer known as 'Klaudiaglam' who is in her 30s.
Footage circulating online shows a woman entering a black car before it accelerates forward, striking Ms. Zakrzewska who was dragged underneath the vehicle. The incident happened on the same street that houses the historic London Palladium theatre.
Multiple Victims and Serious Charges
Carrington faces a total of six charges including attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and drink driving. Prosecutors allege she had 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath when tested, nearly twice the legal limit.
Two additional victims were struck during the incident. Security guard Anoush Chyche, a man in his 50s, suffered what police describe as "life-changing injuries" from the collision. A third person, Latisha Armstrong, was also hit by the vehicle and sustained injuries.
Victim in Critical Condition
Ms. Zakrzewska remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police on Monday evening. The social media influencer, who has built a substantial following across multiple platforms, continues to receive emergency medical treatment for her severe injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Fair Trial Concerns
Following the announcement of charges, David Malone, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the CPS in London North, emphasized the importance of maintaining fair trial conditions. "We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial," he stated.
Malone added a strong warning about potential prejudice: "It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Background of the Defendant
Gabrielle Carrington, who resides on Broadfield Road in Manchester, first gained public attention as a member of the group Miss Dynamix during the 2013 season of The X Factor. The trio reached the live finals of the competition before being eliminated, giving Carrington a platform that she has since used to build a substantial social media following.
The case has drawn significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of both the defendant and alleged victim, as well as the serious nature of the charges in what appears to be a deliberate vehicular attack in one of London's most famous entertainment districts.
