Drag Queens Brutally Attacked in Cork City Centre – Crowd Cheers As Violence Unfolds
Two drag performers were viciously attacked in Cork city centre over the weekend, leaving one battered and bloodied. But Krystal Queer and Lucina Schynning are refusing to be silenced – their club night still goes ahead this Thursday.
Violent Assault Captured on Camera Amid Jazz Festival Buzz
Krystal and Lucina were filming promos for their upcoming Saints event on busy Oliver Plunkett Street early Sunday when a man suddenly kicked them from behind. Shockingly, bystanders cheered as he fled the scene.
Moments later, a second group moved in. One attacker smashed Krystal’s face with his phone, slicing a deep cut on her lip. She needed urgent medical treatment for swelling, bruises, torn gums, and lasting scars.
Camera footage shared online shows the first attacker escaping to applause. The drag duo courageously recorded both assaults – clips that have now racked up over 500,000 views.
“We were just filming a little reel when a guy kicked us and the crowd started cheering,” said Krystal.
Shocking Silence As Crowd Laughs, No One Intervenes
Lucina chased the initial attacker but heard Krystal’s panicked scream as the second assault unfolded. The aggressors mocked and filmed them throughout.
The performers were stunned by the crowd’s reaction. “Hundreds watched and no one helped. Men in the street laughed and cheered as we were attacked,” Krystal revealed.
Just hours earlier, they had dazzled the Cork Jazz Festival stage before filming some fun footage. “We weren’t bothering anyone, just two drag queens having fun. Yet our very existence made us targets,” Lucina said.
Defiant and Unbowed – Drag Queens Press On With Club Night
Despite the trauma and fears for their safety, Krystal and Lucina vow to push ahead with their Saints event this Thursday. “It’s strange promoting the night after this, but we won’t let anything dim our light,” Krystal insisted.
Lucina called their stand an act of fierce defiance. “The best way to fight hate is to stay true to ourselves. Pride has always been protest, and so are we.”
They have identified the attackers and reported the assaults to An Garda Síochána, who are now investigating the incidents as potential hate crimes. Additional witness videos back their story.
Krystal warned, “This attack highlights worsening conditions for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. We thought marriage equality meant safety – but that was a false sense of security.”
The pair thanked Gardaí for their respectful treatment during investigations. A Garda spokesperson confirmed inquiries are ongoing but no arrests have been made yet.
Calls Grow for Safer Streets in Cork’s Nightlife Hubs
Local politicians have demanded better protection for Cork’s nightlife, especially during major events like the Jazz Festival.
Krystal and Lucina are beloved fixtures in Cork’s vibrant drag scene, headlining shows like D’Beours and Krystal & The Queers. Their Saints night celebrates the city’s thriving LGBTQ+ community with dazzling performances and raucous parties.
Violent intimidation won’t put out these queens’ sparkle in the heart of Cork’s entertainment scene.
