A Leeds woman says she will never go to Leeds West Indian Carnival again after she claims her sister was "abused" in the crowd.
The popular event was back this year after a two-year absence, and marked the 55th anniversary of the celebration. The event was established in 1967 as a remedy for those experiencing homesickness after coming over from the Caribbean, and has been taking place on the streets of Harehills and Chapeltown for over 50 years.
On Bank Holiday Monday (August 29) thousands gathered in the streets for the celebration - which is usually full of colourful outfits, big smiles, and beloved music. However, 21-year-old Annabelle Joseph, known as Anne, says after this year's event she does "not feel safe going back".
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Anne has raked in over 2.5million viewers on her TikTok page after claiming a man "attacked" her sister while the pair were dancing with their friends. She explained in the clip why she feels "men have ruined" the carnival and she no longer feels safe to return.
Anne, speaking on TikTok, said: "I was in the parade with my sister and a few of my friends, and she was dancing and this guy came up behind her, and put his hands on either side of her head, boxing her in and trapping her. She couldn't move, she didn't want to dance on this man so she was trying to break free and he could obviously see that she was. But he wasn't trying to hear any of this and kept her boxed in.
"So she turned around and hit him on the chest, telling him to go away. Tell me why this guy now grabs an entire handful of her hair and is ragging her around like a f***ing rag doll and ramps her head into the side of a lorry - a metal pole on the lorry.
"Everyone saw it, everyone was just watching and doing absolutely f*** all. I started screaming, I started lunging at him, trying to get him off. I had people trying to hold me back, meanwhile this guy still has hold of my sisters hair. I didn't let them get me, I got him off.
"The only reason why he stopped is because I pushed his hands off. I am a little 5ft 4ins girl, why am I the one who has to stop him. No one cared. Everyone was holding us back but no one was holding this man."
She added: "He got removed by the police but I did see him later in the day. Leeds West Indian Carnival has become so normal for me going round sexually assaulting women in broad daylight.
"Men have seen something that is going on that is nice, that is a cultural celebration, and f****** ruined it. And it is something that has just become so normalised to the point that where I as a woman do not feel safe. As a Caribbean woman I do not feel safe going back to Leeds West Indian Carnival, and I actually won't."
"It is not safe for women, don't go. My sister wasn't injured but this should not have happened."
Thousands of people took to the comments. @AJAdesuyi said: "I'm so sorry this happened to you guys. I hope you and your sister are doing better."
@Shanielle added: "If women stand up for themselves and kick off, we are just seen as crazy and too emotional. So sorry you went through this, hope your sis is OK."
@stephanieallison said: "Why do people have to ruin things for others, it's so selfish. I'm so sorry." @Spot1966 added: "I'm so happy you were there to help your sister. I'm so sorry this happened."
Leeds Live have gone to Leeds West Indian Carnival for a comment.
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