TV star Gok Wan has revealed his assistant – who he considers ‘one of our family’ – has been attacked in a hate crime.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 50-year-old shared the news with his followers as he appealed for any information.
He also posted shocking, graphic images of Chris’s severe facial injuries that were sustained during the appalling attack.
Starting with a stark warning that the post contained ‘sensitive and distressing content’, Gok began: ‘On 24th August at the Isolation Nation party in Alexandra Palace, one of our family was the victim of a horrific hate crime. This unprovoked attack happened to be on my Executive Assistant, Chris, and resulted in him attending A&E for an X-ray for a suspected orbital fracture, and stitches.’
The former How to Look Good Naked presenter added that the police, after taking a statement from Chris, had ‘deemed this a hate crime motivated by bias against a person’s sexual orientation’.
He continued: ‘We have held off sharing this because until now, Chris has been waiting for a crime reference number from the Metropolitan Police and for their investigations to get under way. The police are already speaking to one witness and have full access to all the CCTV at the venue.
‘But we would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information, to come forward. Please contact 101, ask for the Met Police, and quote this reference number: 7729/24/August/2024.’
Gok, who received an MBE in 2021, hosts Isolation Nation events, named after the ‘kitchen raves’ he DJ’d virtually for fans during lockdown.
The star insisted that such events ‘have always been about bringing people together in a welcoming, family atmosphere, where everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, can feel safe and appreciated’.
‘What happened on 24th August goes against everything we stand for and we are all deeply saddened and shocked by this homophobic attack,’ he added.
Turning to his friend and employee’s injuries, Gok praised the event’s team as he continued: ‘Chris would like to thank the security and events staff at the venue who were incredible at dealing with the assault.
‘In light of this incident, we reaffirm our commitment to making Isolation Nation a safe space for everyone.
‘Hate has no place in our community, and we will not allow fear to divide us. Now more than ever, we must come together to support one another and stand up against bigotry in all its forms.’
In the caption he also re-shared the crime reference number and contact details, reminding followers not to contact his team through Instagram instead.
The pictures revealed Chris to have severe bruising and swelling around his eyes and temples, as well as a cut on one side.
Many of Gok’s friends rushed to share their sympathy and outrage in the comments too.
‘How awful!!! This makes me so angry. Sending Chris lots of love x,’ replied comedian Alan Carr, while Blue singer Duncan James wrote: ‘Omg. Please send Chris my love. I’m so sorry this happened.’
‘This honestly brought tears to my tears to my eyes I am SO sorry. So much love to sweet Chris,’ added Dawn O’Porter.
Fans also called the homophobic attack ‘sickening’, ‘deplorable’ and ‘horrendous’.
‘This kind of attack really makes my pi$$ boil. Why would anyone think it’s ok to attack someone? I hope they get the person who did this,’ posted @thatfoodiechap, adding: ‘To Chris, thank you for allowing this to be shared. It’s brave to do this.’
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