Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour recently recounted a harrowing experience that left her with a concussion. During an emotional appearance on This Morning, Chenneour shared the terrifying details of an incident that took place on February 8 at a Joe & The Juice café in London’s Kensington neighborhood. The actress, known for her role as Clara Livingston in Season 3 of Netflix’s hit period drama, found herself instinctively battling a thief to reclaim her stolen phone.
“I had a bit of a sixth sense that something wasn’t quite right,” she reflected in her interview. “As a woman, you have that kind of intuition; I could feel people moving around me differently. But it was only after the incident that I fully understood what was happening.” The shocking altercation, captured on security footage, escalated from the café into the bustling street, lasting nearly five minutes.
The 27-year-old expressed disbelief that her instinctual reaction was to pursue the suspect. “I thought chasing after him was a normal reaction,” she continued. “Then I read people’s comments and realized many would simply let them take the phone.” Chenneour credited her fight training on set and her upbringing with brothers for her gut response, even though it posed serious risks. Throughout the confrontation, one of the assailants threatened her with a knife multiple times.
“In my mind, it became a matter of life and death,” she recalled. “I remember kicking him back to create space, just in case he had a weapon.” The physical toll was substantial, leaving her with a concussion and an emotional burden. “I didn’t want to go outside,” she admitted. “Having already been conditioned to be cautious around strangers, this shook me to my core and made leaving the house immensely difficult.”
The aftermath was particularly troubling, as one suspect, Zacariah Boulares, 18, pleaded guilty. Boulares, who has a violent past, will be sentenced on June 17 for his involvement in the attack on Chenneour and another customer. Unfortunately, the second man who threatened her with a knife will face no charges due to insufficient evidence. In a candid Instagram Story, Chenneour expressed her frustration: “The man that threatened to stab me won’t go to court and has been released. I know karma will get him.”
Despite the ordeal, Chenneour is grateful for the support she received during and after the incident. “I’m so thankful to the staff at Joe & The Juice,” she said. “They were incredible both during and after the incident.” She took the opportunity to address larger issues, voicing concerns about safety in London.
“London has become increasingly dangerous, and this cannot be normalized,” Chenneour asserted. “I’m not just speaking for myself; I’m speaking for everyone who’s had enough.” Her story not only highlights personal resilience but also raises critical awareness about safety concerns many people face in urban environments.