Blue star Lee Ryan to launch Supreme Court challenge to overturn racially aggravated assault conviction after telling black British Airways attendant he ‘wanted her chocolate babies’

Former Blue singer Lee Ryan is seeking permission from the Supreme Court to overturn his conviction for racially aggravated assault, after telling a black British Airways flight attendant he "wanted her chocolate babies" while drunk on a flight. The 43-year-old was convicted in 2023 of racially aggravated assault and abusive behaviour towards cabin crew member Leah Gordon, and previous appeals at Isleworth Crown Court and the High Court have already failed. If his latest challenge is unsuccessful, he will return to Isleworth Crown Court to be sentenced.

The incident occurred in July 2022 on a flight from Glasgow to London City Airport, after Ryan had drunk a full bottle of port. When refused further alcohol and told to return to his seat, he made remarks about Ms Gordon's complexion, calling her a "chocolate cookie" and saying he wanted her "chocolate children", before grabbing both her wrists; she said passengers intervened and that she felt intimidated and embarrassed. His barrister told the court on Friday that the Supreme Court application deadline is 11 August, with a ruling on a "point of law" expected within two months; Ryan, who has previous convictions including for drink-driving and assault, was not present at the hearing.