Genevieve Chenneour fights off phone thief in Kensington café

In the United Kingdom, specifically in Kensington, an alarming incident occurred on February 8 when actress Genevieve Chenneour was targeted by a phone thief while she awaited her coffee at a café known as Joe and the Juice. The perpetrator, 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares, approached the actress from behind and attempted to snatch her mobile phone. This brazen theft was not Boulares' first offense; he has a criminal history that includes threatening a television presenter with a machete during a separate robbery just months prior. As Boulares executed his plan, Chenneour quickly reacted, retrieving her phone in a struggle that left her physically shaken. Chenneour, who portrays Clara Livingston in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton, utilized her fight training gained from acting roles to fend off the thief. She also disclosed her experience as an avid boxer, which contributed to her ability to react swiftly during the critical moment. The confrontation escalated as she defended herself against Boulares, who made multiple threats to stab her. In her social media comments, she shared that the incident traumatized not only herself but her dog as well, highlighting the psychological impact the attack had on her daily life. Following the incident, Boulares faced legal consequences for his actions. He had already been sentenced to a two-year detention and training order for a previous offense involving the robbery of a Rolex watch from a television personality. After his release, he attempted to steal from Chenneour and assaulted another customer. As he awaits sentencing for his recent crimes, Boulares is being held at Wormwood Scrubs prison, with the court hearing scheduled for June 17. The fear and anxiety resulting from such a violent encounter underscore a broader concern about safety in public spaces, making Chenneour's experience a cautionary tale for many. In interviews following the incident, Chenneour expressed that she felt traumatized and on edge, emphasizing that acquiring a simple coffee should not entail such risks. She noted that the encounter had left her with a concussion and emotional distress, revealing the profound effects that experiences of violence can have on individuals, ranging from physical injuries to psychological trauma.