Rosie Jones and Lee Peart victims of "homophobic and ableist" attack on train from Brighton to London
– 2 min read
Comedians Rosie Jones and Lee Peart have spoken out following a disturbing incident aboard a train from Brighton to London, in which they were subjected to a "homophobic and ableist" attack.
The pair, returning from Down the Hatch - Komedia Brighton's monthly queer and alternative comedy night - were verbally abused by three individuals who mocked their voices, shouted slurs, and threw a plastic bottle of red wine at them. Jones, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, described the experience as a “stark reminder” of the prejudice still faced by disabled and LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces.
In a video shared on social media, Peart showed the aftermath of the attack, with wine splattered across the train wall. “We were attacked by ableist and homophobic arseholes,” he said. Jones added, “Three people mocked both of our voices, threw wine at us. What a f***ing waste!”
The incident occurred on 5 October, coinciding with World Cerebral Palsy Day. Jones had intended to mark the occasion with celebration, but instead used her platform to highlight the discrimination she continues to face. “People with cerebral palsy should never be made to feel like guests in an unwelcoming and hostile world,” she wrote on Instagram. “We have just as much of a right to be here as anybody else. AND DON’T FORGET IT.”
British Transport Police (BTP) responded to the incident at East Croydon station around 10.30pm. Officers ensured both comedians got home safely and confirmed that enquiries are ongoing.
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Witnesses are encouraged to contact BTP quoting reference 672 of 5 October.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and support for Jones and Peart, with many calling attention to the growing hostility faced by marginalised communities in the UK. Peart, who is openly gay, reflected on the incident as indicative of a troubling societal shift: “This is the reality we are getting to now in this country. Where is this country going? It’s getting so much worse.”
Jones, a prominent disability rights advocate and creator of the Channel 4 sitcom Pushers, has long used her platform to challenge ableist attitudes. Her recent documentary Am I a Rtard?* explored the language of hate and the lived experience of disabled individuals in Britain.
Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, Jones ended her message with resilience and pride: “I am PROUD to have cerebral palsy, and setting up The Rosie Jones Foundation is my greatest achievement to date.”
