Rugby Player Gareth Thomas Posts Emotional Video Following Homophobic Assault
Gareth Thomas, the former star of the Wales rugby team, has posted an emotional video after being the victim of a homophobic hate crime, the Guardian reports.
Thomas, who retired in 2011, was attacked in his home city of Cardiff and has visible bruises and cuts in the video.
“This morning I have decided to make what I hope will be a positive video,” he said.
“Last night I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.
“Why I want it to be positive: I want to say thank you to the police, who were involved and allowed me to do restorative justice to the people that did this because I thought they could learn more that way.
“And also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me because there’s a lot of people out there who want to hurt us.
“But, unfortunately for them, there’s a lot more who want to help us heal. So this, I hope, will be a positive message.”
In response, the South Wales police have released a statement saying they have apprehended the 16-year-old boy responsible: “Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.”
Thomas wants the teenager to understand his actions have consequences for the people he assaults, which is why he has requested restorative justice instead of jailtime. The teenager will meet with Thomas to talk about the attack.
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews
