Calum McSwiggan claims he was beaten by “three guys” and ended up in hospital.
LGBT+ vlogger Calum McSwiggan took to Instagram over the weekend to share a photo of himself in hospital, detailing how he was “beaten up by three guys” outside a gay nightclub in West Hollywood.
Calum wrote on his Instagram: “With three broken teeth and six stitches in my forehead, I’ve never felt so terrified to be a gay man in the public eye.”
However, some news websites have suggested the attack did not happen.
WeHoVille reported that Captain Holly Perez of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s station said Calum was examined in a parking opposite the night club on Santa Monica Boulevard, and no bruises or injuries were visible.
It is also claimed that as deputies were questioning security guards in the parking lot, Calum broke a wing mirror off a car and scratched the paint on another vehicle with the broken mirror.
Captain Perez also stated Calum was seen trying to harm himself in the police station – before he was taken to hospital where he posted his selfie.
Fellow vloggers Melanie Murphy, Doug Armstrong and Riyadh Khalaf, who had attended the nightclub with Calum, tweeted messages of support.
https://twitter.com/RiyadhK/status/747617995036364801
Calum told TenEighty that he was currently unable to comment for legal reasons, but TenEighty understands the story reported by WeHoVille does not present a full view of the events that evening. Calum has said he will make a statement as soon as possible.
He is due to appear at LAX court at 08.00 PDT on Wednesday 29 June.
Update: 08:00 BST 29/06/16
Calum and friends have made several comments about the situation. “Staying silent here is killing us”, Calum wrote on Twitter.
I've been told to say nothing before court tomorrow but staying silent here is killing us. If you're a friend just DM me for the truth.
— Calum McSwiggan (@CalumMcSwiggan) June 29, 2016
Melanie said a video has been filmed explaining the situation but it won’t be posted until legal proceedings have ended. The video is said to show footage which provides context.
@tkylemac @RadioMcLean @CalumMcSwiggan he was, I believe him, he was bawling crying AND there's footage/context. Just wait 🙏🏻 legal stuff.
— Melanie Murphy (@melaniietweets) June 29, 2016
Did @CalumMcSwiggan fake a hate crime?WeHo police:yes & here's a booking photo sans injuries https://t.co/omcZsrLNFL pic.twitter.com/K2FAIb66wR
— The Advocate (@TheAdvocateMag) June 28, 2016
Update: 21:30 BST 29/06/16
Calum and Melanie have both released detailed statements about the situation.
Update: 14:50 BST 30/06/16
Although Calum was due in court on Wednesday on one charge of making a false police report, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has said that the case remains under investigation. He faces a maximum of 364 days in jail if he is convicted in the case.
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