Sadiq Khan has hit out at people who “stoke up” homophobic culture wars after two men were stabbed as they stood outside an LGBT+ nightclub in Clapham.
Police have launched an investigation into the attack on Sunday night -which is being treated as homophobic in nature.
The two victims were standing outside the popular gay bar the Two Brewers at roughly 10.15pm when they were approached by a man with a knife who stabbed them and ran away.
The men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
No arrests have yet been made.
On Monday, the Mayor of London posted: “The horrific hate crime in Clapham last night is being robustly investigated by the police.
“It’s also a tragic reminder of why we need Pride.
“My thoughts are with the victims and with the LGBTQ+ community who are undoubtedly feeling frightened and upset.
“For those who stoke up hate and vilify LGBTQ+ people for your own agenda, you’re part of the problem too. Your culture war has real-life consequences.”
He added: “Let me be clear: I will never quieten down my allyship. I’ll never stop fighting for the safety, rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. I am committed to stamping out hate crime in our city.”
Witnesses told of how security at the Two Brewers helped keep other patrons safe from the attack.
One said: “When we came out there were police everywhere. It was horrific.
“We were having the best time then something like this happened. I literally cried all the way home thinking that could have been any of our lot. Also those poor guys. It’s f****ing 2023 I’m still shaken by it today.”
Lambeth Labour Chair Cllr David Robson revealed he had been in the club on Sunday night when the doors were “dramatically shut”.
After seeing someone wounded on the floor, he said: “I called the police immediately, and to their credit they were there quite quickly. The victims were looked at, there was a bit of a response, and they went off in an ambulance, got checked.”
He told The Standard that he was heading back to the Two Brewers on Monday night to show solidarity “with one of our longest-serving LGBTQ+ spaces” in London.
“We wanted to gather together tonight to show that hate has no place in Clapham and show our solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community,” he said.
“I think the important thing to remember is what we’re seeing is a result of a lack of police resources and 13 years of austerity cuts to vital services.”
Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz, who works at the Two Brewers, has said she’s “shocked and angered” after turned up to the venue.
Baga Chipz told 5 News: “I’ve worked at the Two Brewers for 15 years, I perform there regularly, I performed there last week. I was supposed to be there when it happened, I do their Sundays all the time.
“I’m angry, but I’m also shocked, because these are our safe spaces, this is where LGBTQ+ people go to have fun, have a drink, let their hair down and you can’t even be safe.”
Comedian Julian Clary posted on Twitter, now known as X: “Just awful. We cannot and will not go back to living in fear.”
Met Detective Inspector Gary Castle said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.
“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advice on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”
Drag performer Mary Mac, who was at the venue on Sunday, said: “It’s shocking and disgusting that in 2023 this is becoming frighteningly more frequent.
“The team at The Two Brewers were incredible in dealing with this and keeping us inside the venue safe, glad the victims have been discharged and hope they are with loved ones now to help.”
Anyone with information is being asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7198/13Aug.
