Yahoo News CBB star Gareth Thomas victim of homophobic hate crime
Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate and Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas has said that he's been a victim of a homophobic hate crime.
The ex-Wales captain posted a video on Twitter with his face covered in bruises and scratches, saying that the attack took place on Friday (November 16) in Cardiff.
- Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) November 18, 2018
"Last night I was the victim of a hate crime for my sexuality," Thomas began. He thanked the police involved who were "very helpful" and allowed him to do "restorative justice with the people who did this".
He also thanked the people of Cardiff for their support, adding: "There are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us, but unfortunately foe them, there are a lot more that want to help us here.
"So this, I hope, will be a positive message."
In a statement, South Wales police said: "We are aware that a video has been posted on social media by former rugby international Gareth Thomas in relation to a hate crime which happened on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre on Friday, November 16.
"We can confirm a local 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident at around 9pm.
"Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions."
Thomas publicly came out as gay back in 2009, and he explained how it was one of the "scariest moments" of his life.
Speaking to Channel 4 News, the former Dancing on Ice and The Jump star said: "People may define a rugby player's life as being scary standing in front of a haka, but to me the haka was like doing ring a ring a roses compared to what I was feeling that weekend."
Thomas was the first international rugby player to say that he is gay.
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