Quick Read
- Rosie Jones and Lee Peart were attacked on a UK train with slurs and a thrown plastic wine bottle.
- The incident was reported to British Transport Police, who are investigating.
- Jones has ataxic cerebral palsy and is a prominent disability rights advocate.
- She responded publicly, calling for dignity and equal rights for disabled people.
- Jones founded The Rosie Jones Foundation to support people with cerebral palsy.
Rosie Jones Confronts Ableist and Homophobic Abuse on UK Train
It was supposed to be just another journey home after a successful gig. Instead, for Rosie Jones, a renowned British comedian and writer, and her friend Lee Peart, the night unraveled into an unsettling reminder of the prejudice that still festers in public spaces.
Jones, who is 35 and lives with ataxic cerebral palsy, found herself targeted in an incident she later described as both “ableist and homophobic.” As she and Peart, a TV presenter, rode the train from Brighton to Victoria, a group of passengers hurled slurs at them, mocked their voices, and threw a plastic wine bottle in their direction. “Three people mocked both of our voices, threw wine at us. What a f…ing waste!” Jones recounted on social media. The attack, which occurred late at night, was reported to British Transport Police (BTP), who responded promptly and ensured both Jones and Peart reached home safely.
The Immediate Aftermath: Social Media and Police Response
The aftermath played out in real time across Instagram stories and posts. Peart posted a video showing splatters of wine next to their seats, providing an unfiltered glimpse into the ordeal. “We were attacked by ableist and homophobic arseholes,” he said, echoing the frustration and disbelief felt by many who read their accounts.
Jones took to social media not only to describe the incident but to highlight its broader significance. “Today was going to be about me celebrating all that is good and brilliant about having CP. But on the train home from our gig last night, me and my good pal Lee were victims of ableism and homophobia. They mocked our voices, shouted slurs at us and even threw a wine bottle (plastic, thankfully),” she wrote. “It was a stark reminder that my CP makes me stand out, and is often used as a weapon against me.”
The British Transport Police released a statement confirming the incident, noting they had been called to East Croydon railway station around 10:30 pm following reports of abuse and assault. “Inquiries are ongoing, and anyone who witnessed anything or has any information is asked to contact BTP,” the spokesperson said (Independent.ie).
Rosie Jones: Advocacy Beyond Comedy
Jones is no stranger to advocacy. Her work on television, including appearances on “Taskmaster UK” and “8 Out of 10 Cats,” as well as her Channel 4 documentary exploring disability trolling, has placed her at the forefront of conversations about disability rights in Britain. The documentary, “Rosie Jones: Am I A R*tard?” was itself subject to controversy for its title, but Jones’ approach is always direct—she uses her platform to force uncomfortable conversations and challenge the status quo.
She has also completed the London Marathon, with fellow comedian Ivo Graham pushing her in a buggy, raising funds for Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement and the MS Society. Beyond personal achievements, Jones founded The Rosie Jones Foundation, dedicated to empowering lives and changing minds so “no person living with cerebral palsy ever feels alone or unheard.” “Together we are mighty. I love my CP Family,” she wrote in a recent post (Stuff.co.nz).
Disability and Public Spaces: A Persistent Struggle
Jones’ experience on the train underscores a persistent reality for many living with disabilities: public spaces can be hostile, and difference is too often weaponized. “Unfortunately, the worms of this world use my disability to try and make me feel like a victim. I am not,” Jones asserted. Her message is clear—not only for herself, but for the wider community. “People with cerebral palsy should never be made to feel like guests in an unwelcoming and hostile world which wasn’t set up for people like us. We have just as much of a right to be here as anybody else. AND DON’T FORGET IT.”
Peart, reflecting on the incident, echoed Jones’ resilience. “Thank you for your lovely lovely messages, we are both doing fine and yes we have reported it. The BTP took us home and were wonderful. Rosie Jones is a wonderful human,” he shared.
Public Response and Ongoing Investigation
The story has reverberated across social media, drawing widespread support for Jones and Peart, as well as renewed criticism of ableism and homophobia in society. Many have pointed out the importance of reporting such incidents and the need for authorities to take them seriously. The BTP’s ongoing investigation is a reminder that accountability is possible, but that cultural change is still lagging behind.
Jones’ public response—choosing to share her experience rather than retreat—has inspired countless others. Her refusal to be diminished by the attack is a rallying cry for dignity and visibility. It’s a narrative that, sadly, many in the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities know all too well. The hope is that stories like Jones’ shift public attitudes, creating not just awareness but action.
Rosie Jones: More Than a Victim
Jones is clear: she is not a victim, despite the efforts of those who seek to marginalize her. Her career is built on wit, courage, and the ability to turn adversity into art. The train attack did not silence her—it gave her another reason to speak up. “Our mission is to empower lives and change minds,” she wrote. In a world that still struggles with inclusivity, Jones’ voice is both a shield and a beacon.
For Jones and her supporters, the message is simple but urgent: everyone deserves respect, safety, and belonging. The attack serves as a painful reminder, but also as a catalyst for continued advocacy and solidarity.
This incident, while deeply troubling, highlights Rosie Jones’ unwavering commitment to advocacy and the power of speaking out. Her response is not just about her own experience, but about challenging the social norms that allow discrimination to persist. In facing hostility, Jones transforms it into a call for change—one that resonates far beyond the confines of a single train carriage.