Bridgerton Star Genevieve Chenneour Survives 'Life or Death' Phone Theft Brawl

ROCK BOTTOM: Bridgerton Star Genevieve Chenneour Opens Up About Terrifying Phone Theft Ordeal

The Scholary Note - Exclusive!

Genevieve Chenneour, the stunning actress who stars as Clara Livingston in Netflix's hit period drama Bridgerton, has revealed she "hit rock bottom" after a terrifying phone theft ordeal that left her shaken and changed forever.

In a candid interview with The Times, Genevieve, 27, recalled the harrowing incident that took place on February 8 at Joe & The Juice on Kensington High Street in west London. A then-16-year-old thief, Zacariah Boulares, snuck up behind her and grabbed her phone - an attack that would have far-reaching consequences for Genevieve's life.

"I was just a normal day out, enjoying my coffee and chatting with friends," Genevieve recounted. "And then suddenly, this kid appears out of nowhere and steals my phone. I didn't think twice; I just reacted instinctively."

The actress bravely defended herself against Boulares, pinning him to the floor for much of the five-minute ordeal that also involved an accomplice. Genevieve admitted feeling threatened with being stabbed during the altercation, which she described as a "life or death" situation.

"It was just crazy," Genevieve said, reliving the traumatic experience. "I remember kicking him back with my leg to create space in case he had a weapon on him... It was just a life-changing, crazy moment."

The aftermath of the attack left Genevieve reeling. She suffered a concussion and experienced dizzy spells for weeks, leading her to become increasingly anxious about venturing out alone.

"My doctor later confirmed I had a concussion," she revealed. "I had dizzy spells for weeks afterwards and I was terrified of going out alone. I still am."

The incident also led to Genevieve's split from her boyfriend of three years, adding to the emotional turmoil she faced.

"Maybe this all has to happen so I can start afresh," Genevieve reflected on the experience. "It's been a major shock for me — and terrifying — but now I can prioritize my career, myself, and my friends."

Genevieve's story is not unique; in fact, phone theft has become an increasingly common crime worldwide. According to statistics, mobile phone theft is on the rise, with millions of people falling victim to these types of attacks each year.

Former Chief Superintendent Parm Sandu joined Genevieve on This Morning to offer advice and share her expertise on how to react if you find yourself in a similar situation.

"Genevieve was very brave, but I wouldn't recommend anyone fighting back," Sandu cautioned. "You don't know what these people are carrying... They could have a knife, they could have a syringe, they could have any other weapon that they can use on you."

Sandu emphasized the importance of not only reporting the theft to authorities but also taking steps to protect your personal data and phone.

"Make sure you've got a strap around your wrist as well, it's harder for them to snatch it and run," she advised. "And always report the incident straight away to your service provider and bank."

Genevieve's experience has sparked conversations with other victims of phone theft, who have shared their own stories of anxiety and fear.

"It opened up so many conversations with people that I know and don't know," Genevieve said. "I've been really made aware of how many people are living with that anxiety... Men that have had their phone stolen and women. I can only talk from a woman's perspective, but I do know that men are dealing with that same level of anxiety."

Genevieve has since relocated out of west London, where she had lived for seven years, citing the need to start fresh.

"I don't want to go outside," she admitted, still struggling with agoraphobia. "As a woman, we already have our wits about us around strangers and random men... So, to have this happen to me while dealing with that base level that a lot of women have, just made me quite agoraphobic. Leaving the house was really hard."

In the end, Genevieve's terrifying ordeal has led her to advocate for greater awareness and action against phone theft.

"Men need to go to prison and they need psychological care," she emphasized. "If criminals are not rehabilitated properly, they'll likely commit more — maybe worse — crimes."

Genevieve's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and taking steps to protect ourselves in today's increasingly unpredictable world.

Stay tuned for more updates on Genevieve Chenneour and her journey towards healing and recovery.