American Duo Sought in Connection with Bond Street Station Incident
British Transport Police (BTP) are searching for an American couple, identified as a prominent Trump supporter and a German venture capitalist, following an alleged racist assault at Bond Street Underground Station. The individuals, Melissa Rein Lively, 40, and Philipp Ostermann, are believed to have left the United Kingdom just days after the incident occurred.
Officers confirmed that the pair, who are wanted for questioning, could possess vital information that may assist the investigation. A BTP spokesman stated that despite extensive enquiries and a public appeal, it was determined the man and woman do not reside in the UK.
Timeline of the Alleged Assault and Suspects' Departure
The altercation took place on Saturday, October 11, at around 7:30pm. A victim was entering Bond Street station with her two children and her sister when her pushchair collided with a woman walking ahead. According to police, a man accompanying the woman then began shouting racial abuse at the victim.
The situation escalated when the woman grabbed the victim's hair. As the victim tried to defend herself, the man allegedly produced a small bottle, stated it was pepper spray, and sprayed it in the direction of the family. The woman then shouted further abuse and made lewd gestures before the couple left the area. The BTP is working to confirm the exact substance used, though the family reported no ill effects.
Investigations revealed that Ostermann left the UK on Tuesday, October 14, and Rein Lively departed on Friday, October 24. Both left before the BTP's media appeal was published. The police remain in contact with the victim and her family, providing regular updates.
Profiles of the Wanted Individuals
Melissa Rein Lively is a public relations executive and a vocal supporter of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. She is the founder of the America First PR agency, which promotes 'anti-woke' services. Rein Lively has a controversial online history, having previously supported the far-right QAnon conspiracy movement, which she has since publicly denounced, describing it as a 'cult' that left her suicidal.
She was previously dubbed 'Rolex Karen' after a video of her destroying a display of face masks went viral. Rein Lively had also vied for the role of White House spokesperson for Donald Trump's second term. Following the incident, she posted a picture on Instagram from Bond Street, wearing the same outfit seen in the BTP appeal, captioned 'With love from London'. Her Instagram account has since been deleted.
Philipp Ostermann is an associate director at Aequita, a Munich-based private equity firm with offices in Tokyo and South Carolina. He had been scheduled to speak at a private equity conference at Syon Park near Heathrow on October 14, just days after the alleged assault.
The BTP is urging anyone with information to text 61016, quoting reference 413 of 12 October, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
