Call for safer public spaces after drag performers assaulted in Cork city

The two performers were filming a video for social media to promote an upcoming event when the incident occurred

In a video viewed widely across social media on Monday, the two performers can be seen being kicked from behind by a passer-by as they faced the camera. File picture: Denis Minihane.

A call has been made for safer public spaces following an assault on drag performers on a busy street in Cork city over the Jazz Festival weekend.

The two performers were on Oliver Plunkett St on Sunday night, filming a video for social media to promote an upcoming event, when the incident occurred.

In a video viewed widely across social media on Monday, the two performers can be seen being kicked from behind by a passer-by as they faced the camera.

In the video, cheers can be heard from others on the street as the passer-by then runs away.

A further altercation then appears to have taken place off-camera with another group. In the video, one performer can be heard saying they have been “smacked” in the face.

They can then be seen with a fresh cut to their face, which is bleeding.

The pair posted about the incident on social media, urging people to stay safe over the rest of the Jazz Festival weekend and over Halloween. 

On Monday, a spokesman confirmed gardaí responded to an incident of assault, occurring at approximately 12.30am on Sunday, October 26, on Oliver Plunkett St in Cork city.

“A man aged in his 20s received non-life-threatening injuries as a result of this incident,” the spokesman said. “Investigations are ongoing at this time.” 

There has been widespread condemnation of the incident on social media.

“Nobody should be assaulted on the streets of Cork,” Cork South Central Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice told the Irish Examiner.

"We need new strategies that focus on reducing street violence, creating safer public spaces and protecting minority groups from attacks. 

“I hope the Gardai fully investigate this case and pursue the men responsible.” 

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He also sent his solidarity to the performers.

“They are two fantastic performers who bring fun and joy to all their shows. It was awful to see them attacked like this.

“We have to send out a strong signal that this kind of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.

 “Ultimately, we must create a new republic of equals where everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, class or background is free to live their lives to the fullest. Core to that is a life free from hate and harassment.”