Yahoo News Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson opens up about vile homophobic abuse
Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson has shared details of the vile homophobic abuse he faced while out with co-star Jorgie Porter, (via The Mirror).
Appearing on The Mirror's Invite Only podcast, Richardson, who plays Ste Hay in the soap, revealed how he and best friend Porter stood up to the bullies who were shouting abuse at him in the street.
"I did have [homophobic abuse] once in the street, Jorgie was with me actually and she was amazing. We were getting in the taxi and they shouted some homophobic abuse or whatever. And then we were at the traffic lights with them together."
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Determined not to let them get away with it, Richardson confronted the strangers: "And then I just got really brave and went out the window and I went: 'What did you just say?' And then he was like: 'Nothing, I didn't say anything.' Then as the light turned on to green again, he got brave and cocky and then started shouting the abuse again."
Porter, who plays Theresa McQueen in Hollyoaks, revealed her shock at the incident. "I thought 'that doesn't happen'," she said. "I thought: 'Oh my God.' And I wanted to give it back as well, I literally wanted to chase him."
Porter filmed the culprits and shared the footage, stating: "absolutely not, you cannot get away with that."
She added: "That's my best friend, like, anyone who starts with my best friend, I'm like: 'No, I'm having you.' People knew who it was, so I think they got fired from work. But, you know, it was just a massive shock that that kind of thing still would happen.
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"You don't want it to happen to anyone, but especially not Kieron, who is the best man in the world."
Recalling coming out on This Morning in 2010, Richardson confirmed it was "the best thing that I ever did." But added that he remembers being "petrified" and that "it must have been a massive thing at the time".
"But that feeling of elation from coming out… from that moment, you can be your true, authentic self, and not hide anymore, you're not lying to people. It was like a pinnacle moment."
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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