As a result of the incident, Leona has canceled a scheduled appearance in the BBC's "The One Show".
- Oct 15, 2009
AceShowbiz - The man who attacked Leona Lewis at her book signing on Wednesday, October 14 has been put in custody, authorities have confirmed. The attacker, whose identity was not disclosed, is facing possible actual bodily harm charge.
Leona was signing autographs and posing for photographs for fans who attended the launching of her new autobiography "Dreams" at Waterstone's book store in Piccadilly in central London when "a guy came up and punched her to the side of the head," her representative confirmed. A source in the know who was at the scene when the incident happened testified, "[The attacker] walked up there with the book, she signed it and, as she looked up, he just punched her. She was running out with her hand over her eye."
It was reported that Leona quickly went to see a doctor as a precaution, but did not need hospital treatment. "The police were called immediately and medical attention has been sought. Leona is understandably shaken and apologizes to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings," the representative stated further, adding that the incident has forced Leona to pull out a scheduled appearance in the BBC's "The One Show" later that night.
Regarding the assault, E! News has quoted Scotland Yard spokesman Eddie Townsend as revealing, "Police were called at 4:35 this afternoon to the Waterstone's in Piccadilly to reports of an assault against a female. Police attended and arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of actual bodily harm. He is currently in custody."
Waterstone's bookstore, meanwhile, has issued a statement saying security at book signings took the attack on Leona "extremely seriously" and this was the first incident of its kind it had encountered. "We would like to thank Leona for her professionalism and we are extremely sad that this event was ruined for her, and her fans, many of whom queued from the early hours of the morning to meet her," it added.
Leona Lewis' new autobiography, "Dreams", is due to be released next month.
