Who Is Genevieve Chenneour? The 'Bridgerton' Star who Fled London Fearing Her Attacker's Release

'Bridgerton' actress Genevieve Chenneour has fled London after a terrifying attack left her fearing for her life and struggling with daily routines.

The 27-year-old star, who played Clara Livingston in the hit Netflix series, revealed she no longer feels safe in the capital after her phone was snatched during a brazen daylight theft. The emotional aftermath has forced her to leave the city she once called home.

A Coffee Run Turned Violent

On 8 February, Chenneour visited Joe & The Juice on Kensington High Street for a morning coffee. In an instant, her life changed.

Eighteen-year-old Zacariah Boulares approached her from behind and grabbed her iPhone 14. Chenneour reacted immediately, hearing the sound of her phone being taken and turning to confront the thief. Her ex-partner, Carlo Kurcishi, wrestled Boulares to the ground as Chenneour defended herself, even using the phone as a weapon.

Speaking about the incident, Chenneour said: 'I had no idea I picked up the phone and used it to defend myself. I actually thought it was someone else's phone on the floor.'

Later, CCTV footage revealed Boulares had targeted the café as part of a pattern of thefts from affluent areas, described in court as 'rich pickings'.

Ongoing Fear and Trauma

Although Boulares was sentenced to 22 months in prison for assault and theft, Chenneour fears this is far from the end.

'He'll likely serve only a year,' she said, describing the sentence as 'absolutely awful'. She worries he may seek revenge once released, sharing: 'The level of anxiety I have thinking he might be planning something against me is unbearable.'

Since the attack, Chenneour has experienced intense anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks. She often wakes up drenched in sweat, convinced someone is trying to steal from her again.

'I flinch when people walk close to me,' she admitted. 'Almost every woman I've met feels on edge in London. It has made daily life feel unsafe.'

Leaving London and Home

For the first time since she was 15, Chenneour has returned to live with her mother. She avoids public transport, stays in hotels when working in London, and is exploring therapy to process the trauma.

She described the emotional cost: 'All of this has had a profound impact on my quality of life - emotionally, practically, and professionally.'

Even her dog has been affected, now trying to bite anyone who comes too close. 'He's traumatised too,' she said.

A Wider Conversation About Women's Safety

Chenneour's story sheds light on a broader issue: the sense of vulnerability many women feel in London.

'Almost every woman feels on edge, walking around,' she said during a radio interview. Her words resonate with countless Londoners grappling with rising reports of street crime and harassment.

A Call for Change

The young actress hopes that sharing her story will help the public understand the deeper, long-term consequences of such attacks.

'I'm sharing this in the hope it helps convey the weight of what happened beyond the surface-level facts,' she explained.

While she plans to continue acting, it remains unclear when or if she will feel safe enough to return home permanently.

For now, Genevieve Chenneour's courageous decision to speak out offers a sobering glimpse into the hidden scars left by violent crime and a powerful call to prioritise safety for women in the city.