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Former ‘X Factor’ finalist denies murder and GBH after hitting influencer with car
Former X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington has denied murdering social media influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska by hitting her with a car outside a central London nightclub. The case is significant both because of Carrington's public profile as a former reality TV contestant and TikTok/Instagram influencer, and because the charge was upgraded from attempted murder to murder after the victim died from her injuries.
Carrington, 29, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Bronzefield prison, where she also denied a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a security guard, Anoush Chyche, who allegedly suffered life-changing injuries. Prosecutors allege Carrington argued with a man outside Inca nightclub before driving onto the pavement, striking Zakrzewska, Chyche and a third person, Latisha Armstrong, who suffered a fractured wrist. A third charge of driving with excess alcohol was not put to her. Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC set the trial for 5 January 2027, with pre-trial hearings on 11 August and 9 October this year.
In short
- Ex-X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington denies murdering influencer with her car
- Klaudia Zakrzewska died six days after being struck outside a nightclub
- Trial set for January 2027; Carrington also denies GBH charge
Explained simply
Gabrielle Carrington is a former contestant on The X Factor who later built a following on social media. Klaudia Zakrzewska was an influencer, and Anoush Chyche worked as a security guard.
The case concerns an alleged incident outside Inca nightclub in central London, in which a car struck Zakrzewska, Chyche and a third person, Latisha Armstrong. Zakrzewska later died, and the charge against Carrington was changed from attempted murder to murder; Chyche is also said to have suffered life-changing injuries.
The case matters because it involves serious allegations against a public figure and injuries to several people. Carrington denies the murder and grievous bodily harm charges.