Gabrielle Precious Carrington, a former finalist on The X Factor, has been granted permission to change her legal representation as she faces charges of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. The court also issued a public warning against social media posts related to the ongoing case.
Carrington, 29, who performed as part of the girl group Miss Dynamix in 2013, is accused of fatally striking TikTok and Instagram influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, outside a West End nightclub in April. Zakrzewska, known online as 'Klaudiaglam,' died in hospital six days after the incident. Two other pedestrians were also injured.
During an administrative hearing at the Old Bailey, Her Honour Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC informed those present in the public gallery that posting about the case on social media could constitute contempt of court. She emphasized that ignorance of the law is not a defense and advised against any public commentary unless one is a professional newspaper reporter.
Carrington, who also has a significant online following as an influencer, appeared in court today and has denied the charges. She remains in custody.
It was previously heard that Carrington and Zakrzewska were involved in an "ongoing dispute." Zakrzewska had posted videos from the nightclub on the night she was killed.
Carrington's preferred lawyer, James Scobie KC, is unavailable for her trial, which is scheduled for next year. A new legal team will be appointed. Carrington is next due in court on October 9 for further case management.
Zakrzewska, who was Polish-born, had amassed nearly 260,000 followers on Instagram. Carrington, also known as RIELLEUK, had a career as a singer before becoming an influencer. She has a following of 362,000 on Instagram.
