Man pleads guilty to assaulting Drag Race UK star The Vivienne in McDonald's

05 September 2023 , 14:22

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A man has plead guilty to assaulting Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne

A man has admitted to assaulting Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne in a McDonald's outlet in Liverpool.

Alan Whitfield, aged 50, made his appearance at the Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 5, where he pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating. The incident unfolded within the confines of the Edge Lane Retail Park McDonald's on Montrose Way on June 16, 2023.

Whitfield, a resident of Tom Mann Close, Everton, confirmed his identity and address before entering his guilty plea. He was accompanied in court by two family members for moral support. The prosecutor, Andy Page, presented the case as an act driven by "homophobic hatred". However, Richard Darby, who is defending Whitfield, disputed this claim, suggesting the assault came after the scars on his client's face were mocked.

Alan Whitfield, aged 50, plead guilty to assaulting Drag Race UK star The Vivienne (Liverpool Echo)

Despite Whitfield's admission of guilt to the assault charge, a Newton Hearing is scheduled for December 1 at the same court to ascertain the full context of the incident. Evidence to be examined includes CCTV footage from McDonald's, the emergency 999 call, and testimony from The Vivienne – whose real name is James Lee Williams.

Upon exiting the city centre court, Whitfield hastily covered his head with a blue jumper and darted towards Liverpool's shopping centre, Liverpool ONE.

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Amy Denman