A former "X Factor" finalist has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a social media influencer. Gabrielle Carrington, 29, is accused of striking Klaudia Zakrzewska with a car outside a central London nightclub.
Carrington, who performed as part of the group Miss Dynamix during the show's live finals in 2013, denied the charge at the Old Bailey. She appeared via video link from Bronzefield prison.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. BST on April 19 outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho. Ms. Zakrzewska, described as a TikTok and Instagram influencer who used the handle Klaudiaglam, initially survived the collision but died from her injuries six days later.
Carrington, who is also known as RIELLEUK and has over 365,000 followers on Instagram, was initially charged with attempted murder. This charge was later escalated to murder following Ms. Zakrzewska's death.
Judge Whitehouse confirmed that the trial is scheduled to begin at the same court on January 5.
Carrington is described in court documents as a social media influencer who makes regular trips to the United Arab Emirates. Ms. Zakrzewska was in her 30s. The court proceedings are taking place in London, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.