Alan Whitfield, a scaffolder, has been given a suspended jail sentence after being found guilty of a homophobic assault on James Lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. During the incident, which occurred in a McDonald’s in Liverpool, Whitfield subjected Williams to homophobic abuse before delivering a heavy blow to his jaw. The assault left Williams with a bruised jaw that hurt for a week. A district judge sentencing Whitfield described his behaviour as “appalling”.
The judge further added that the attack took place at noon in a public area, where children were present and needed to be moved out of harm’s way. Despite the severity of the incident, the judge decided against imposing an immediate custodial sentence due to Whitfield’s lack of recent convictions and his mother’s severe health difficulties, for whom Whitfield is the primary carer. In lieu of an immediate custodial sentence, Whitfield was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months. He must also abide by a two-year restraining order banning any contact with Williams.
Whitfield claimed that the incident was not motivated by Williams’s sexuality, but instead claimed that his violent outburst was in response to a comment made about his skin. The suspended sentence of Whitfield is a reminder that homophobic attacks will not be tolerated within society, and that those found guilty will be punished accordingly.
In a statement made to the court, Williams spoke of his pride in his sexuality and his wish to never edit or hide his true self. However, following the attack, he expressed shame at the fact that his authentic self could make him a potential victim of violence. As part of the sentence, Whitfield must complete 12 sessions of mental health treatment and 10 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service, and also pay £300 compensation to his victim, along with £454 court costs
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