Blue Star Lee Ryan suspended for racially abusing cabin crew member | Here are the details about the incident

Blue star Lee Ryan has received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for racially aggravated common assault by beating and abusive behavior towards a cabin crew member. The 40-year-old singer, known for his role in the pop group Blue, was involved in the incident on a British Airways flight from Glasgow to London City Airport on July 31 last year.

Intoxication and Racial Abuse

Ryan, described as "slurring his words and staggering around," had consumed a full bottle of port before the flight. The Isleworth Crown Court heard that he made derogatory comments about the appearance of flight attendant Leah Gordon, referring to her as a "chocolate cookie." The situation escalated as he grabbed her wrists after being denied more alcohol and instructed to return to his seat.

Legal Consequences

Lee Ryan faced charges of being drunk on an aircraft, resulting in a four-month suspended jail term, running concurrently with the racially aggravated common assault charge. Judge Nicholas Wood ordered Ryan to pay £2,500 compensation to Ms. Gordon, £750 to another cabin crew member, Jade Smith, and £510 in costs.

The judge, after reviewing psychological assessments indicating Ryan's high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder, determined that he did not pose an ongoing risk to the public.

Victims Speak Out

During a court hearing, Ms. Gordon shared her experience, stating that Ryan made comments about her complexion, saying, "you're my chocolate darling, my chocolate cookie, and I'm going to have your chocolate children."

She expressed feeling objectified, as if her beauty was being qualified based on her race. Later, Ryan demanded a kiss, grabbing her wrists before being intervened by passengers.

Ms. Smith, another cabin crew member, reported that Ryan's anger escalated when he was denied an upgrade from economy to business class due to a full flight. Observing his intoxicated state, she cut him off from ordering more alcohol.

Memory Loss and Previous Legal Episode

Ryan claimed to have no memory of the incident. In a previous legal episode on July 12 this year, he had a charge dropped regarding an alleged assault on a police officer. He withdrew a guilty plea, citing "poor advice from his solicitor."

Lee Ryan avoids immediate incarceration with a suspended sentence, emphasizing the court's consideration of his mental health condition.

FAQs

Who is the lead singer of Blue?
Lee Ryan, born on June 17, 1983, is an English singer, songwriter, and voice actor, renowned for his membership in the acclaimed boy band, Blue.

What did Lee Ryan say to the cabin crew?
"Lee Ryan made comments about my complexion, referring to me as 'my chocolate darling,' 'my chocolate cookie,' and even saying he wanted 'chocolate children.' It felt like he was implying that my beauty was contingent on my skin color," the cabin crew explained to the judge.