Video of the attack on Leona Lewis has surfaced. (Read more below.)
The man accused of punching the singer at her book signing on Wednesday has been charged with assault and placed in a mental health facility.
Peter Kowalczyk, 29, from south London, was sectioned under the U.K.’s Mental Health Act and is being examined by doctors, a spokesperson for Scotland Yard authorities has confirmed. Kowalczyk is due to appear in the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October.
It has also been reported that Kowalczyk was a reject from the reality-tv singing competition “X-Factor” (the UK’s version of “American Idol”) and was jealous of Leona Lewis taking the winning title.
Lewis was left needing medical treatment for a cut across her temple after the incident.
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“UPDATE: Leona Lewis Cancels Tour, Speaks Out On Attack”
In the aftermath of the attack Leona Lewis faced at her book signing early yesterday, the singer has pulled out of any further appearances to promote her autobiography “Dreams.”
Her spokesman says, “Leona was due to go to Germany today for promo but that has now been cancelled. Leona is obviously shocked after yesterday but is OK.”
She took to her website to write: “Thank you so much for your support it is truly overwhelming. Yesterday was a horrible shock and left me extremely hurt and upset. I’m very sorry to those I wasn’t able to meet at the signing. Thank you again for all of the lovely messages.”
The songstress was set to fly out for a day-long promotional tour, but she is understandably feeling like it’s too soon to face the public. Rehearsals for her first major UK show are due to begin next week and it has been reported that she will go ahead with them.
After the incident, she was taken to see a doctor as a precaution after being struck, but needed no further treatment.
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“Man Punches Leona Lewis At Book Signing”
Singer Leona Lewis, 24, was punched today by an unknown man as she signed copies of her autobiography for fans at Waterstones bookstore in Piccadilly, London.
Her spokesman, who witnessed the attack, confirmed that the star had happily been signing copies of the book, “Dreams,” for around 90 minutes when “a guy came up and punched her to the side of the head.” The spokesman said he did not hear the man say anything to Lewis during the “unprovoked” attack and security officers swooped in.
A spokesman for Waterstones confirmed the incident took place during the book signing. “We are incredibly dismayed that the actions of a single person have ruined this event for Leona and her fans.
For those who don’t know, Leona Lewis is the winner of the reality show singing competition “X-Factor” – the UK equivalent of “American Idol.” Her second album, “Echo,” is due out next month.
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