Videos

Rugby legend Gareth Thomas had an incredible reaction to a homophobic attack

Oonagh Keating. Updated November 20th, 2018

Former Wales rugby captain, Gareth Thomas, is one of only a relatively small number of openly gay sports stars and is seen as an inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community and aspiring sportspeople alike. After suffering a physical attack in a hate crime based on his sexuality, he chose to do two things – have a face-to-face meeting with his attacker in what is known as ‘restorative justice’ and also to make this amazing video.

It’s worth reading his heartfelt words again.

“This morning I have decided to make what I hope will be a positive video. Last night I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.

Why I want it to be positive: I want to say thank you to the police, who were involved and allowed me to do restorative justice to the people that did this because I thought they could learn more that way.

And also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me because there’s a lot of people out there who want to hurt us.

But, unfortunately for them, there’s a lot more who want to help us heal. So this, I hope, will be a positive message.”

The message has been viewed more than 3m times, with reactions tending strongly towards admiration and inspiration.

The 16-year-old boy who attacked him admitted the assault and made an apology to the rugby star.