Melissa Rein Lively, a 40-year-old social media influencer, is under investigation by British Transport Police following an alleged racially aggravated assault at Bond Street Underground Station in London on October 11. Lively was reportedly accompanied by her boyfriend, venture capitalist Philipp Ostermann, during the incident, in which a woman with two children—one in a pushchair—was allegedly confronted after a collision with the stroller.
According to a statement from the police, Ostermann is accused of shouting racial abuse and pepper-spraying the woman while Lively allegedly pulled her hair and made lewd gestures. The use of pepper spray in the UK is illegal and can lead to significant penalties.
On November 10, the British Transport Police released an appeal for information, including images of Lively and Ostermann, identifying them as individuals who may provide assistance in the investigation. The incident has gained attention given Lively’s previous notoriety in 2020 when she was filmed destroying a mask display at a Target store in Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the alleged incident, Lively was in the UK for a private equity conference, with social media posts indicating her presence in London shortly after the events in question. Her Instagram account has since been made private.
- Why it matters: This incident underscores ongoing discussions regarding public behavior and accountability, particularly among social media influencers. Legal repercussions could set a precedent for future behavior in public spaces.
- The latest: British Transport Police are actively seeking information about the incident and have released images to aid in their investigation.
Source: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maga-woman-in-infamous-scottsdale-target-video-sought-by-u-k-police-40620543/
Source: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maga-woman-in-infamous-scottsdale-target-video-sought-by-u-k-police-40620543/