Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Bridgerton Star Fleeing London: Safety Concerns After Stab Threat

SHOCKING CELEBRITY ROBBERY EXPOSED: Bridgerton Star Fights Back Against Young Thug Who Threatened to Stab Her

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, 27-year-old Genevieve Chenneour, star of the hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton, has revealed she's left London in fear for her safety after being targeted by a brazen young thief. The dashing actress, known for playing rumour-monger Clara Livingston, had her mobile phone snatched by Zacariah Boulares, 18, at a Joe & The Juice cafe while walking her dog on February 8.

But what's even more stunning is that this isn't the first time Boulares has struck. Just 18 months ago, he threatened to behead Aled Jones with a 20-inch machete as he stole his £17,000 Rolex Daytona in Chiswick, west London. The teenager was locked up for his attack on the Welsh singer but served only 14 months of his 24-month sentence before being released back onto the streets.

This is the moment Boulares was caught by police officers on February 21 - his 18th birthday - as he tried to flee the scene

Boulares's latest crime spree came to an end when he was caught by police after stealing a backpack from a blind couple who were dining at a Five Guys in Kensington with their 10-year-old son on February 18. Detectives were able to identify him as the perpetrator of the three thefts across London, including Ms Chenneour's phone snatching and a handbag theft at a Pizza Pilgrims restaurant in the West End.

The Shocking CCTV Footage Revealed

Exclusive footage obtained by The Scholarly Note shows Boulares prowling around the back of the Joe & The Juice cafe, waiting for Mr Kureishi to leave Ms Chenneour alone at the table. Wearing all black with a navy cap, he then snuck up behind the actress and swiped her phone while she had her back turned.

Ms Chenneour is seen starring as Clara Livingston (pictured) in Netflix hit period drama Bridgerton

But what happens next is nothing short of heroic. In a moment of complete instinct, Ms Chenneour quickly leapt into action and lunged at Boulares while Mr Kureishi helped drag him to the floor. The fearless Yorkshire-born actress then put her arm out to block Boulares from leaving and dislodged the phone from his hand.

The Aftermath: A Traumatized Victim Speaks Out

In an interview with LBC, Ms Chenneour revealed she's been left feeling anxious and on edge since the incident. "I don't feel comfortable living in London at the moment," she confessed. "Had this happened two years earlier, when I was just getting my career going, this could have been the end of my career."

Boulares, 18, (pictured) has been jailed for 22 months

Ms Chenneour also spoke about the terrifying lucid dreams she's been experiencing, featuring someone attempting to steal something from her. She revealed she plans to see a trauma therapist but admitted she has a job on her hands stopping her dog from biting everyone who touches her.

The Judge Speaks Out: 'A Systematic Pattern of Stealing'

At Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Martin Edmunds KC condemned Boulares for his "appalling" repeat offending. "They feature regular violence, stealing, robbery, knives," the judge said. "You chose to adopt a systematic lifestyle of preying on those who had more than you."

Dramatic footage shows prolific thief Boulares creeping up behind the actress and stealing her phone

Boulares was sentenced to 22 months in prison, but many are questioning whether this is enough for a serial offender like him.

The Boulares Family's Troubled Past

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note last month, Boulares's heartbroken mother Myriam spoke out about her son's troubled past. "From the day he was born, I knew there was something wrong with Zac," she revealed. "As he got older, I confirmed it – it got worse and worse."

MailOnline previously obtained footage of Boulares, then 16, appearing to clutch a machete after he ran away from the spot Aled Jones was mugged of a £17k Rolex

Ms Chenneour has since moved to a safe location, but her experience is a stark reminder of the dangers that celebrities face in public.

A Star's Fight for Justice

Ms Chenneour's bravery in the face of danger is nothing short of inspiring. As she fights for justice against Boulares and his crimes, The Scholarly Note will continue to keep you updated on this shocking celebrity robbery scandal.

He threatened to behead the Welsh baritone (pictured) if he continued to follow him after he stole his £17,000 watch

In a statement to The Scholarly Note, Ms Chenneour said: "I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this ordeal. It's been a difficult time, but I'm grateful for the courage of my boyfriend and our dog Ralph, who were both with me during the incident."

Stay tuned for further updates on this explosive story as it unfolds.

Related Stories:

CCTV footage shows brave the moment Bridgerton actress, Ms Chenneour fought back against the thug

  • Bridgerton Star Genevieve Chenneour: A Life in the Spotlight
  • The Troubled Past of Zacariah Boulares: From Machete Attacks to Celebrity Robberies
  • London's Celebrities: Who Else Has Been Targeted by Young Thug Zacariah Boulares?

After a tussle, the thief then pointed his finger and said something to Ms Chenneour's friend

Covering his face with a hat and a scarf, he then fled the Joe & The Juice on Kensington High Street

This is the moment Boulares stole a rucksack from a blind couple who were in Five Guys, Kensington, with their 10-year-old son on February 18

In another theft, he stole a handbag from a woman at Pizza Pilgrims in Kingly Street on January 30

Boulares attempted to escape when officers were searching for him following the Five Guys theft on February 18

He was arrested three days later and again tried to flee but officers were able to detain him

Genevieve Chenneour, pictured here at the premiere of Netflix's The Gentlemen at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane in March last year, had her phone stolen in February this yea