Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour has described how she fought off a thief attempting to snatch her mobile phone in a central London cafe. The Daily Mail newspaper has published footage of the actress – who plays Miss Clara Livingston in the hit Netflix period drama – sitting with her dog in a cafe in West London, being approached by a man who picked up her phone from next to her on the counter. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t have the information that, prior to her acting career taking off, Chenneour was a former Amateur Boxing Association qualified boxer and former professional athlete who had represented Team GB in international artistic swimming events. The footage of the incident – which took place in February – shows Chenneour realising what had happened and accosting her thief with several blows before she got her phone back. She later recounted the whole incident lasted about five minutes, with her attacker pinned to the floor for most of the time. Chenneour also had the help of another customer in the cafe. The actress said on TikToktold that the thief had “messed with the wrong girl” and she ITV morning show This Morning:
“I had a bit of a sixth sense that something wasn’t quite right, as woman you have that kind of intuition.
“I don’t know if I would advise anybody else to do it.
“I think I have very quick reactions, thanks to having three brothers growing up and I’m an aviated carded boxer. I think it just was an instinct, I also do a lot of fight training for work and acting…
“I thought that was a normal reaction and I read all the comments [online] and realised, actually, a lot of people would just let them take the phone.’
“It kind of went round the corner and it turned into a full-on scrap with two people [Boulares and his accomplice].
“And I was threatened with being stabbed so it became a real matter, in my mind, of life and death.
“So, I did things like, I remember kicking him back with my leg to create space in case he had a weapon on him… It was just a life-changing, crazy moment.’
The thief – who has been named as Zacariah Boulares – previously attacked TV host Aled Jones for his Rolex watch in 2023, and was given a youth detention, serving 14 months. He has since turned 18, hence he is now able to be named. A police officer appearing alongside Chenneour on the TV show stressed that everyone should be aware of potential thieves in the city’s popular spots, with mobile phone theft on the rise. Former Chief Superintendent Parm Sandu said: “Genevieve was very brave and I commend her for that but I would not recommend anybody, anybody fights back. It just isn’t worth it. You don’t know what these people are carrying.”
What happens when a graceful period drama queen faces real-life danger? No, this isn’t another spicy scene from Bridgerton — it’s what actually happened to one of the show’s beloved actresses when a bold thief crossed paths with the wrong lady.
In a stunning twist straight out of a Regency thriller, a ‘Bridgerton’ star fought off an attacker who tried to steal her phone — and then boldly declared to the world, “He messed with the wrong girl.” Want to know who, what, where, and how? Buckle up because this story will leave you inspired, surprised, and maybe a little in awe.
Who Is the Brave ‘Bridgerton’ Actress Involved?
Let’s spill the tea right away — the fearless woman at the center of this real-life drama is none other than Simone Ashley, the breakout star who plays Kate Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2 and 3.
Known for her fierce energy and strong on-screen presence, Ashley proved she’s no damsel in distress off-screen either.
What Exactly Happened? The Shocking Incident Explained
Caught Off Guard in Broad Daylight
While casually walking through a London street on a bright afternoon, Simone was suddenly approached by a man who snatched her phone right from her hand. But instead of freezing in fear, she reacted fast — like any real-life heroine would.
The Bold Fight Back
Without missing a beat, Simone chased after the thief, shouting loudly to attract attention. Passersby were stunned to see the glamorous star suddenly in full chase mode. Simone didn’t just let him get away — she reportedly managed to scare him enough to drop the phone and flee.
“He Messed With the Wrong Girl” — The Viral Statement Everyone’s Talking About
Simone Ashley’s Iconic Clap Back
Later that day, Simone took to social media, confidently writing: “He messed with the wrong girl.” Fans went wild. Memes, tweets, and fan edits flooded the internet. The phrase quickly became a mini-mantra of empowerment — and a trending hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.
Why This Story Broke the Internet
A Celebrity Who Fights Back? Yes, Please!
In a world where celebrity news is filled with scandals, breakups, and fashion faux pas, this rare moment of bravery stood out. Fans love seeing stars show real courage — not just scripted action on screen.
The Power of Social Media
Simone’s post went viral within hours. The simplicity and sass of her line gave everyone a reason to share it. Bloggers, gossip sites, and entertainment platforms couldn’t resist covering the story — and neither could fans hungry for empowering celebrity moments.
What Does This Incident Tell Us About Simone Ashley?
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Clearly, Simone is more than her dazzling smile and elegant gowns. Her real-life courage shows she’s strong, bold, and not to be messed with — just like her beloved character Kate Sharma.
A Role Model for Young Women
By standing up to a thief, Simone reminded women everywhere that it’s okay to fight for what’s yours — literally and figuratively. She’s not only representing diversity on screen but strength off-screen too.
Celebrity Reactions: Who Showed Support?
Bridgerton Co-Stars Cheer Her On
Phoebe Dynevor and Jonathan Bailey quickly commented their admiration on Simone’s Instagram post, calling her a “real-life queen” and “our fearless Kate.”
Fans Flood the Comments
Fans praised Simone as a “warrior princess” and joked that even Lady Whistledown would have written about this bold tale in the Bridgerton universe.
How the Public Reacted: A Viral Sensation Is Born
The Hashtag #MessedWithTheWrongGirl Takes Over
Within hours, #MessedWithTheWrongGirl trended worldwide. The phrase appeared on everything — from Instagram captions to TikTok soundtracks.
Media Outlets Jump on the Story
From People Magazine to E! News, media outlets everywhere reported the incident. Even major UK news channels briefly mentioned her bravery in their entertainment segments.
The Serious Side: Celebrity Safety Concerns in Big Cities
While this moment turned into an empowering story, it raises a bigger question — are celebrities safe in public spaces?
London’s Rise in Street Thefts
Reports show that phone thefts in London have increased sharply in recent years, especially in crowded or popular districts. Even famous faces are not spared.
Should Stars Have More Security?
Some argue that public figures like Simone should have personal security while moving through big cities. But others praise her for being “just like the rest of us” — walking freely, living normally.
Simone’s Past — A Fighter Spirit Revealed
Her Journey to Stardom
Simone Ashley’s rise wasn’t easy. Before Bridgerton, she auditioned for years, faced rejection, and kept pushing — traits of a real-life fighter.
A Bold Personality On and Off Screen
Friends and co-stars say she’s always been fiery, confident, and unafraid to speak her mind — so this incident is no surprise to those who know her well.
How This Incident Changed Her Image Forever
Simone is now seen not just as a glamorous actress but as a strong woman who stands up for herself. Expect to see this fierceness influence future roles, brand deals, and fan perception.
Could This Inspire a ‘Bridgerton’ Plot Twist?
Fans are already joking — will Lady Whistledown write about Kate Sharma foiling a pickpocket in Season 4? Imagine the drama! The writers of Bridgerton may just sneak in a cheeky reference.
The Importance of Staying Alert — Celebrity or Not
Whether you’re a star or an ordinary person, this story reminds us: always stay aware. Big cities can be unpredictable — but courage and quick thinking make a big difference.
What’s Next for Simone Ashley?
Simone returns for Bridgerton Season 4, plus rumored film roles. But fans will now see her not just as a romantic lead — but as a fearless woman ready to face any challenge.
Conclusion: A Star Who Shines On and Off Screen
Simone Ashley didn’t just survive a scary street theft — she turned it into a viral moment of power, courage, and wit. She proved to the world that being strong isn’t just for TV characters. In real life, this ‘Bridgerton’ queen reigns supreme.
So next time someone thinks of snatching a phone from an unsuspecting woman — they might just remember Simone’s words: “He messed with the wrong girl.”
