Caught On Video: ‘Bridgerton’ Actress Fights Off Thief Trying To Steal Her Phone In London Cafe

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 23:37 IST

As the bystander held the thief down, Genevieve Chenneour retrieved her phone and hit the attacker on his back.

The attacker tried to steal Genevieve Chenneour's phone while she was waiting for a coffee order.

Genevieve Chenneour, who played Clara Livingston in Season 3 of Bridgerton, fought off an attacker who tried to steal her phone while she was waiting for a coffee order in Kensington, West London.

The incident took place in February at Joe & The Juice cafe, where CCTV footage showed 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares attempting to snatch Genevieve Chenneour’s phone from a table behind her. The 27-year-old actress turned around just in time, raised her arms to block him, and- with the help of another customer- managed to stop his escape.

As the bystander held the thief down, Genevieve Chenneour retrieved her phone and hit the attacker on his back. The thief retaliated by hitting and kicking the customer who intervened. Genevieve Chenneour later said she suffered a concussion from the incident.

Sharing her experience on Instagram, the actress thanked her followers for their support saying, “I’m okay and incredibly grateful he won’t be able to harm anyone else. But after being repeatedly threatened with being stabbed in the face, it’s hard to feel safe going out."

Zacariah Boulares, an Algerian national, pleaded guilty to theft and assault at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last week. He has 12 prior convictions linked to 28 offences, including threatening BBC presenter Aled Jones with a machete and stealing Rolex watches from elderly victims. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17 at Isleworth Crown Court.

London, United Kingdom (UK)

News world Caught On Video: ‘Bridgerton’ Actress Fights Off Thief Trying To Steal Her Phone In London Cafe