A former X Factor finalist is facing charges related to an alleged road rage incident involving a fellow influencer, a court has been informed. The accused and the alleged victim reportedly had a protracted disagreement prior to the incident.
Gabrielle Precious Carrington, aged 29, stands accused of attempting to murder TikTok and Instagram influencer Klaudiaglam, whose real name is Klaudia Zakrzewska. The alleged attack took place in Soho, London, during the early hours of Sunday morning.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Carrington is also facing charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
During her appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Carrington did not enter any pleas. She was dressed in a grey top and styled her long, dark hair in pigtails as she stood in the dock.
The Manchester resident, hailing from Broadfield Road, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth during the proceedings.
The courtroom was filled with her family and friends, who occupied the public gallery for the brief hearing.
She made a heart gesture with her hands as she was remanded into custody at the end of the 11-minute hearing.
Gabrielle Carrington, 29, known as RIELLEUK, appeared in court today charged with attempted murder
Instagram and TikTok star Klaudiaglam – real name Klaudia Zakrzewska – is in a critical condition in hospital after the alleged attack
Prosecutor Rizwan Amin said: ‘There has been an ongoing dispute between the parties and the parties are known to each other.’
He said Carrington was ‘a known social media influencer’.
Describing the ‘melee’ that then unfolded, he said: ‘During this time, she (Carrington), seemed to have an altercation with a male as she exited her car.
‘This altercation had escalated, involving several other members of the public.
‘When security tried to intervene, Miss Carrington was seen to re-enter the vehicle, which shows her immediately moving off and sharply mounting the pavement.
‘During this manouvre, the vehicle had struck Miss Zakrzewska, who was dragged forward and was trapped beneath the vehicle.
‘The vehicle kept moving forward.
‘As the vehicle moved forward, it fully took her underneath the vehicle and struck Mr Anoush who was on the pavement.
‘At this point, the vehicle kept travelling further and Miss Carrington reverses a short distance causing it to travel over Miss Zakrzewska’s body.’
Ms Armstrong was also hit by the vehicle during this incident, suffering a broken bone in her wrist, the court heard.
District judge Nina Tempia remanded Carrington in custody ahead of her next appearance, at the Old Bailey next month.
Police were called to the scene outside Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Westminster, at 4.30am on Sunday following reports that a car had crashed into pedestrians.
Klaudiaglam remains fighting for her life following the crash.
Victim Anoush Chyche, a man in his 50s, who was unlocking his e-scooter at the time, also sustained life-changing injuries in the same crash and was taken to hospital.
A third woman, Latisha Armstrong, aged in her 30s, was treated for minor injuries.
The Metropolitan Police said the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
Ms Zakrzewska, who has more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, had posted videos from the nightclub on Sunday.
As a teenager, Carrington, also known as RIELLEUK, made it through 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 the other judges.
The season was won by singer Sam Bailey.
More recently, she has become an influencer, with 362,000 followers on Instagram.
A video circulating online showed the terrifying moment a black vehicle drove into a group of people.
The scene on Argyll Street in Soho on Sunday
Ms Carrington was an X Factor finalist with the girl band Miss Dynamix in 2013
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, of Specialist Crime South, previously said: ‘As our enquiries continue, our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones.
‘While this incident took place in the early hours of the morning, venues in the area were still open, and we believe a number of people will have seen what happened.
‘I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or any activity prior to it that they feel may be of relevance, to come forward.
‘The information you have – however minor you believe it may be – could be of crucial importance to investigators.’
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met Police on 101, providing the reference 3374/19APR.
Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
