Rosie Jones has spoken out after being targeted in what she described as an “ableist and homophobic” attack on a train, saying she refuses to focus on the “horrible s***bags” responsible.
The comedian, 35, revealed that she and fellow comic Lee Peart were travelling home from a gig on Sunday night when a group of three passengers mocked their voices and threw wine at them.
Jones, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, said the incident was a reminder that “people with cerebral palsy should never be made to feel like guests in an unwelcoming and hostile world.”
Writing on Instagram, she thanked fans for their messages of support, adding: “I am ok, and feeling more myself today. Instead of focusing on the negative and horrible s***bags in the world, this is a post of love and joy.
“I feel so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by amazing family and friends who have shown up time and time again. When things like this happen, we must focus on the brilliant people in life — who I still believe make up most of this world.”
Peart also posted about the ordeal, showing red wine stains on the train wall and telling followers: “This is the reality we’re getting to now in this country. We were attacked by ableist and homophobic a*******s.”
He later confirmed the pair were safe and had been supported by British Transport Police, who took them home after they reported the incident.
Jones went on to reflect on the experience while marking World Cerebral Palsy Day, announcing that her charity, The Rosie Jones Foundation, had just donated £18,000 to Disability Plus to fund counselling for people with CP.
She wrote: “It was a stark reminder that my CP makes me stand out and is often used as a weapon against me. Unfortunately, the worms of this world use my disability to try and make me feel like a victim. I am not. We have just as much right to be here as anybody else.”
Jones has previously spoken about online abuse, saying she has learned to “ignore and rationalise” trolling but worries about the impact it has on her loved ones.
She added: “I am proud to have cerebral palsy. Our mission is to empower lives and change minds so that no person living with CP ever feels alone or unheard.”
