Blue Star Lee Ryan Found Guilty of Racially Aggravated Assault on BA Flight
Lee Ryan, famous from the boyband Blue, has been convicted of racially aggravated assault against a female British Airways cabin crew member. The 39-year-old was caught causing a scene on a flight after already being drunk from a train journey.
Drunken Behaviour Sparks Incident on Flight
The trouble started last July after Ryan downed an entire bottle of port before boarding a BA flight from Glasgow to London. According to Ealing Magistrates, he was “slurring his words and staggering around” once on the plane. The singer was refused further alcohol and asked to sit down.
Things turned nasty when Ryan allegedly made racially offensive remarks to a female crew member. He reportedly said, “I want your chocolate,” called her a “chocolate cookie,” and grabbed her wrist. The woman told the court,
“He was making comments about my complexion. You’re my chocolate darling, my chocolate cookie, and I’m going to have your chocolate children.”
Claims of “Playful” Remarks Rejected by Court
Ryan defended his comments as “playful” and denied any racist intent behind the word “chocolate.” The court also heard he made inappropriate remarks about another flight attendant, Leah Gordon.
Multiple Convictions for Ryan
- Racially aggravated common assault by beating
- Flying drunk
- Abusive behaviour toward cabin crew
- Biting a police officer
Ryan’s fall from boyband stardom is stark. He first gained fame in 2001 as part of Blue, known for hits like All Rise, which reached number four in the UK and topped charts in New Zealand. Blue scored three UK number ones before splitting in 2005 to pursue solo careers. The band reformed last year with a new album and UK tour.
