X Factor finalist makes heart sign as she appears in court charged with attempted murder of rival influencer who was run over by car following ‘fight’ outside club at 4am
A former X Factor finalist accused of an alleged road rage attack on a rival influencer is in an “ongoing dispute” with the alleged victim, a court has heard.
Gabrielle Precious Carrington, 29, was charged with attempting to murder TikTok and Instagram personality Klaudiaglam (real name Klaudia Zakrzewska) in Soho, London, in the early hours of Sunday.
He is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, causing actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving.
She was not asked to enter a plea when she appeared in the courtroom at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today wearing a gray top and long black hair in a double braid.
Carrington, of Broadfield Road in Manchester, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
His family and friends were seated in the crowded gallery.
He made a heart sign with his hands as he was arrested at the end of the 11-minute hearing.
Gabrielle Carrington, 29, known as RIELLEUK, appeared in court today on charges of attempted murder.
Instagram and TikTok star Klaudiaglam (real name Klaudia Zakrzewska) is in critical condition in hospital after alleged attack
Summing up the case, prosecutor Rizwan Amin said: ‘There is an ongoing dispute between the parties and the parties know each other.’
He said Carrington was a ‘known social media influencer’.
Describing the ‘melee’ that ensued, he said: ‘During this time, she (Carrington) appeared to be arguing with a male as he exited his car.
‘This argument escalated when several other members of the public became involved.
‘When security attempted to intervene, Ms Carrington was seen to re-enter the vehicle,’ which immediately took off and ‘sharply’ swerved onto the pavement, he said.
‘During this manoeuvre, the vehicle hit Ms Zakrzewska, who was dragged forward and trapped under the vehicle.
‘The vehicle continued to move forward.
‘As the vehicle moved forward, it completely pinned him under the vehicle and hit Mr Anoush, who was on the pavement.’
The scene on Argyll Street in Soho on Sunday
Ms Carrington was an X Factor finalist in 2013 with girl group Miss Dynamix.
The court heard that Ms Armstrong also suffered a fractured bone in her wrist after being hit by a vehicle during this incident.
According to court charges, Carrington was tested after the incident and allegedly found 61 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath.
The legal limit in the UK is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres.
District judge Nina Tempia remanded Carrington in custody ahead of his next hearing at the Old Bailey next month.
Police were called to the scene outside Inca nightclub on Argyll Street, Westminster, at 4.30am on Sunday following reports of a car hitting pedestrians.
Klaudiaglam continues to struggle for life after the accident.
The victim, Anoush Chyche, in her 50s, who was unlocking her e-scooter at the time, also suffered life-changing injuries in the same accident and was hospitalized.
The third woman, Latisha Armstrong, in her 30s, was treated for minor injuries.
The Metropolitan Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism-related.
Ms Zakrzewska, who has more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, had posted videos from the nightclub on Sunday.
Carrington, also known as RIELLEUK, made it to the live finals of The X Factor in 2013 as part of girl group Miss Dynamix, after impressing Take That singer Gary Barlow and other judges in her youth.
The season was won by singer Sam Bailey.
Recently, she has become an influencer with 362,000 followers on Instagram.
A video circulating online showed the terrifying moment a black vehicle collided with a group of people.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, Specialist Crime South, previously said: ‘Our thoughts are with the injured and their loved ones as our inquiries continue.
‘While this incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, venues in the area were still open and we believe many people would have seen what happened.
‘I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision or any activity prior to the collision that they think may be relevant to come forward.
‘The information you have – no matter how unimportant you believe it to be – could be of vital importance to investigators.’
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met Police on 101 quoting reference 3374/19APR.
Information can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
