Two Men Suffer Anti-Gay Attack on UK's Metrolink for Singing Songs from WICKED

The Manchester Evening News reports that two friends were the victims of a horrendous homophobic attack on London's Metrolink on Saturday for singing songs from the long running hit musical WICKED.

According to the report, Jean Claude Manseau and his friend Jake Heaton were singing tunes from the show when a fellow tram passenger began hurling anti-gay jeers at them. They exited the train at Market Street and began walking towards Canal Street when they were approached by the same passenger in Piccadilly Gardens. The attacker was quickly joined by 15 additional men who surrounded them and began to attack them. Manseau was knocked unconscious and suffered numerous head injuries in the assault. Although Heaton was punched in the back, he was able to escape and call for help at a nearby shop.

Police arrived at the scene and the two men were taken to Fairfield General Hospital in Bury by taxi after waiting 90 minutes for an ambulance to arrive.

Commented 25-year-old Manseau, "It has destroyed every bit of confidence I have. It will be a while before I go anywhere on my own. I don't know when I'll feel safe to go into Manchester again." He continued, "They split my forehead, my lip, broke my nose. My eyes are black and swollen. My ribs are painful, I can't move much. My face is going to be scarred for life. That has upset me."

Added 19-year old Heaton, "It was terrifying. They crowded round us and it probably only last a few seconds but it felt like a lifetime. It's completely shocking. Nowadays you think people are mostly accepting of people's sexuality, especially in a big city like Manchester. We did nothing to provoke it. We were just having a laugh and a sing on the tram. It was definitely homophobic. Throughout it all they were hurling abuse at us."

Police are investigating the incident and are asking that anyone with information call them on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Photo: Screen shot via Manchester Evening News