A one-time contestant on X Factor, who now works as an influencer, has been brought before the court on charges of allegedly trying to kill another content creator after a confrontation outside a nightclub.
Gabrielle Carrington, 29, was held in custody following claims that her vehicle was involved in a collision with three pedestrians, including Klaudia Zakrzewska, also known as ‘Klaudiaglam’ on Instagram, outside a restaurant and bar in London’s Soho early on Sunday.
Authorities have accused Carrington of attempted murder, causing serious bodily harm with intent, causing bodily harm, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. The charges were filed about 36 hours after the reported incident.
One of the injured victims, Ms. Zakrzewska, is in critical condition in the hospital. The court was informed that the alleged crash also left security worker Anoush Chyche with severe injuries and another woman, Latisha Armstrong, with minor wrist injuries.
The attempted murder charge against Carrington pertains to the alleged assault on Ms. Zakrzewska, while the charges of causing bodily harm relate to the injuries sustained by Mr. Chyche and Ms. Armstrong.
Appearing in court in a grey leisure suit, Carrington stood before Westminster Magistrates Court, accompanied by a female security guard. She only spoke to provide her personal details and did not enter any pleas.
Family and friends of both Carrington and Ms. Zakrzewska were present in the packed public gallery, where court security guards monitored the proceedings.
According to court documents, Carrington’s blood alcohol level at the time of her arrest exceeded the legal limit.
District Judge Nina Tempia ordered Carrington to remain in custody, and she gestured a heart sign to her family and friends before being escorted back to the cells. Her next court appearance is set for May 19 at the Old Bailey.
Carrington, originally from Manchester, gained fame as a participant in The X Factor live finals in 2013 at the age of 16. She has since become a prominent influencer with over 360,000 followers on Instagram under the username “rielleuk.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell of Specialist Crime South expressed concern for the injured parties and their families, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid the investigation.
The Metropolitan Police clarified that the incident is not linked to terrorism and requested the public to avoid sharing graphic footage of the incident online out of respect for the victims and to prevent prejudicing legal proceedings.
