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Katherine Jenkins on being mugged: I forgive attacker

21 February 2020, Berlin: 70th Berlinale, press conference, special gala, "Minamata": Katherine Jenkins, actress. The International Film Festival takes place from 20.02. to 01.03.2020. Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa (Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images)
70th Berlinale, press conference, special gala, "Minamata": Katherine Jenkins, actress. The International Film Festival takes place from 20.02. to 01.03.2020. Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa (Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Katherine Jenkins has spoken for the first time about being mugged, revealing she has already forgiven the teenager who put her through the terrifying ordeal.

The incident happened in broad daylight shortly before Christmas when the classical singer came to the aide of an elderly woman who was being attacked. But the teenage thug turned her attention to Jenkins, stealing her mobile phone.

The confrontation took place on 6 December on King’s Road, Chelsea, which was bustling with festive shoppers who “just walked past”.

Read more: Katherine Jenkins mugged after trying to save a woman from 'violent' assault

Speaking to Stella magazine about the frightening incident, Jenkins, 39, revealed she had no regrets.

She said: “If it happened again, I’d do it again.

“So many people just walked past. It was an instinct to rush over and, in doing so, I got attacked as well. It’s part of my faith to give people a chance and show forgiveness.”

Jenkins admitted she had been concerned what husband Andrew Levitas would say about putting herself at risk, but she said he told her he was “proud”.

Following the ordeal, plucky Jenkins went on to perform at the Henry van Straubenzee charity carol concert at St Luke’s Church just hours later.

“I was shaken up initially,” she said. But my instinct is always to keep going, so I got out there. It was a charity. I didn’t want to let them down.”

The teenage attacker was arrested with a friend at the scene and pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer. She cannot be named, for legal reasons.

Read more: Katherine Jenkins revealed as The Masked Singer's Octopus

A statement released by her agent at the time read: “Katherine was in London to sing at the Henry van Straubenzee memorial charity carol concert at St Luke’s Church.

“On her way to rehearsal she witnessed an older lady being viciously mugged and intervened to help.

“As a result of her stepping in, Katherine was then mugged herself.

“However, she helped the police identify the perpetrator and the young woman was arrested shortly afterwards.”

Since the ordeal Jenkins has taken part in ITV singing contest The Masked Singer, finishing the series in third place while portraying Octopus.