TV Star Denies Racially Abusing Hotel Worker

Television and music star Ashley Walters has denied racially abusing a London hotel receptionist and threatening her manager.

The 33-year-old, who is currently starring in BBC drama Cuffs, is accused of calling the member of staff at the Hilton in Islington, a "white b****".

Walters, who played a gangster in the Channel 4 series Top Boy, allegedly also threatened the deputy manager.

The former member of So Solid Crew was summonsed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on three charges of using threatening, abusive or insulting language with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress on 3 May.

One of the charges related to a racially aggravated offence, the court heard.

Tim Huestis, defending, indicated that the actor denied the charges.

Walters is alleged to have approached Zsofia Kuti as she worked on the hotel's front desk before shouting and swearing at her.

It is alleged he shouted "shut the f*** up you white b****" and also threatened deputy manager Gaurav Thakur.

District Judge Sue Williams released Walters, who lives in Islington, on bail on condition that he does not enter the Hilton or loiter outside it.

He will next appear at Blackfriars Crown Court on 10 December.

The father of seven declined to comment as he left court.