Rylan Clark was left with a fractured skull after brutal homophobic attack
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TV host Rylan Clark has revealed the horrifying details of a homophobic attack he experienced as a teenager, which left him with a fractured skull. Clark, who rose to fame after appearing on shows like “The X Factor” and “Celebrity Big Brother,” shared his traumatic experience in his new documentary “Rylan: Football, Homophobia and Me.”
In the documentary, Clark delves into the lack of openly gay players in the Premier League and explores the toxic culture of homophobia in football. As a gay football fan himself, Clark reflects on the abuse he faced growing up, both verbally and physically.
Clark recalls being taunted with derogatory slurs like “gay boy” while playing football with his peers. But it was one particular incident that stands out in his memory—an attack that resulted in a fractured skull. He recounts how a group of boys, who were not his friends and known for their cruelty, assaulted him.
“I remember, just this hand coming on the back of my head, throwing me down to the floor from the platform, and just getting kicked in the head,” Clark explained. The next thing he remembers is waking up in the back of an ambulance, on the way to the hospital.
Medical professionals informed Clark that his skull had been fractured in multiple places. The attack involved repeated kicks and stomping on his head. Despite the severity of his injury, Clark admitted that he is almost thankful that it happened to him.
“Actually, in a sick way, I’m almost glad it happened to me… because it taught me to never make people feel like s**t,” he revealed. This experience shaped his outlook on treating others with kindness and making an effort to uplift them.
Part of Clark’s success as a TV host is attributed to his genuine desire to make others feel good. However, he also acknowledges that he sometimes worries too much about what people think of him—a consequence of the attack that he considers both positive and negative.
Clark’s story sheds light on the persistence of homophobia in society, especially within the realm of sports. While progress has been made in creating more inclusive environments, incidents like these remind us that there is still a long way to go.
Homophobic attacks not only cause physical harm but also have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects on their victims. It is essential to continue raising awareness, challenging discriminatory attitudes, and promoting inclusivity in all areas of life, including sports.
Clark’s documentary, “Rylan: Football, Homophobia and Me,” provides a platform to discuss these issues openly. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe and accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation.
The documentary is available to stream on discovery+. By sharing his story, Clark hopes to inspire change and encourage a more inclusive and accepting environment for future generations of LGBTQ+ individuals in football and beyond.
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