Bridgerton Star Genevieve Chenneour’s Terrifying Robbery Ordeal Sparks Safety Concerns

Sarah Johnson
June 20, 2025
Brief
Bridgerton star Genevieve Chenneour recounts terrifying robbery in London café, leaving her traumatized and sparking debate on crime and rehabilitation.
In a harrowing incident that shook the entertainment world, Genevieve Chenneour, known for her role in Bridgerton, faced a terrifying robbery attempt in a London café last February. The 27-year-old actress, caught off guard when 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares snatched her phone from a table, instinctively fought back alongside her then-boyfriend, Carlo Kureishi. What began as a quick grab escalated into a violent struggle, leaving Chenneour fearing for her life.
During the confrontation, Boulares threatened to stab her, a moment she described as feeling like the end. She sustained a concussion after being struck on the head, grappling with dizziness and fear for weeks. The ordeal, captured on CCTV, has left lasting scars, with Chenneour admitting she’s still hesitant to venture out alone. She told The Times, "I was terrified. It became a matter of life and death."
Boulares, no stranger to crime with 12 prior convictions—including a chilling threat to behead singer Aled Jones—was fresh off a lenient 14-month sentence. Pleading guilty in Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month, his actions underscore a broader issue of recidivism. Chenneour, reflecting on the incident, emphasized the need for proper rehabilitation, stating, "Criminals need psychological care to stop this cycle of crime."
The aftermath was brutal for Chenneour. Beyond the physical toll, the robbery coincided with her breakup with Kureishi, plunging her into a personal low. Yet, she’s channeling this trauma into a fresh start, prioritizing her career and friendships. Her courage in sharing her story highlights not just a personal struggle but a universal one—navigating safety in a world that can turn hostile in an instant.
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Editor's Comments
Genevieve Chenneour’s café brawl sounds like a scene straight out of a gritty crime drama—except this was no script. When a thief tried to swipe her phone, she didn’t just sip her latte and wave goodbye; she tackled him like a rugby pro! But here’s the kicker: the real crime is a system letting a guy with 12 convictions, including a machete-waving cameo, back on the streets in 14 months. Maybe London’s courts are secretly auditioning for a sequel to <i>Catch and Release</i>?
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