A chilling scene unfolded in the heart of London’s Soho district early Sunday morning, culminating in the arrest of Gabrielle Carrington, a former X Factor finalist. The 29-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, accused of attempting to murder social media influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska.
The alleged attack occurred outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street at 4:30 am. Prosecutors allege Carrington deliberately drove her Mercedes into Ms. Zakrzewska, a TikTok and Instagram personality known as Klaudiaglam, dragging her beneath the vehicle.
Court proceedings revealed a chaotic scene following the incident, described by prosecutor Rizwan Amin as a “melee” with “lots of people shouting.” Police arriving at 5 am initially underestimated the severity of the situation, which quickly became clear upon review of CCTV footage.
The footage reportedly shows Carrington involved in a heated argument after exiting her car, an altercation that escalated and drew in bystanders. Security staff attempted to intervene, but Carrington then re-entered her vehicle.
What followed was a horrifying sequence of events. The Mercedes allegedly surged forward, mounting the pavement and striking Ms. Zakrzewska, who was then dragged forward and trapped between the car and a bike rack. A security guard, Anoush Chyche, was also hit during the maneuver.
The vehicle continued moving, fully taking Ms. Zakrzewska underneath it. As Carrington reversed, another woman, Latisha Armstrong, was struck, sustaining a fractured wrist. The incident took place on a bustling street, home to the iconic London Palladium theatre.
Carrington, who boasts over 365,000 Instagram followers, made a heart sign to family and friends in the public gallery as she was led from the courtroom. She faces charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, assault, dangerous driving, and drink driving.
A breathalyzer test allegedly revealed 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath in Carrington’s system – nearly twice the legal limit. She did not enter any pleas during the hearing.
Ms. Zakrzewska remains in critical condition in hospital, fighting for her life. Mr. Chyche, a security guard in his 50s, has suffered injuries described as “life-changing.”
The judge ordered Carrington to be remanded in custody until her next appearance at the Old Bailey on May 19. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from any commentary that could potentially prejudice the ongoing investigation and upcoming trial.
