Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Bridgerton Star's Heroic Stand: Actress Fights Back Against Phone Thief in London Café

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

SCANDAL IN THE HIGH STREET: BRIDGERTON STAR TAKES DOWN TEEN THIEF IN BROAD-DAYLIGHT BRAWL

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour, 27, found herself face-to-face with a notorious teenager who had made headlines before for his brazen crimes. Zacariah Boulares, 18, had been released from youth detention just months prior to targeting the actress in a London coffee shop.

According to CCTV footage obtained by The Scholarly Note, Boulares was seen prowling around the back of Joe & the Juice on Kensington High Street, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When Genevieve's friend left her alone at the table, Boulares pounced, snatching the actress's iPhone from her grasp.

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

But what happened next will leave you speechless. Genevieve Chenneour, known for her roles in period dramas like Bridgerton, showed no signs of fear as she leapt into action to reclaim her stolen phone. With the help of her friend, they managed to wrestle the device back from Boulares' grasp.

The footage shows Genevieve courageously standing up to the teenager, refusing to back down even when he threatened her and her friend. Witnesses described the scene as "chaotic" as shocked onlookers formed a crowd in the popular café.

A REPEAT OFFENDER WITH A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

Genievieve Chennour (pictured) previously told how she was left 'concussed and traumatised' after being robbed at the popular lunch haunt by Algerian national, Zacariah Boulares

Zacariah Boulares has been making headlines for his brazen crimes, and it seems this is just another notch on his belt. Before targeting Genevieve Chenneour, he had already made news for threatening to behead Welsh chorister Aled Jones with a machete during a botched robbery in Chiswick.

In October 2023, Boulares was locked up for the attack on Mr. Jones, who suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident. But what's even more disturbing is that Boulares was released from youth detention after serving just 14 months of his 24-month sentence.

A CRIMINAL HISTORY AS LONG AS YOUR ARM

Zacariah Boulares, 18, (pictured) has pleaded guilty to the robber on May 29 as well as common assault, and is due to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on June 17

Boulares' extensive criminal history is nothing short of shocking. With over 28 offenses and 12 previous convictions, this teenager has proven himself to be a menace on the streets of London.

Just weeks before targeting Genevieve Chenneour, Boulares was caught stealing a £20,000 gold Rolex from a pensioner in a daring heist. And it seems that's just the tip of the iceberg – The Scholarly Note can reveal that Boulares has been involved in over 70,000 phone thefts across London alone.

A HEROIC ACTRESS TAKES A STAND

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

Genevieve Chenneour is being hailed as a hero for her bravery in standing up to Boulares. In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, the actress revealed that she's been feeling "constantly on edge" since a concussion she suffered just before the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

"I was left shaken by the experience," Genevieve admitted. "Even my dog was traumatized – now, if anyone touches me, he panics and tries to protect me."

But it seems Genevieve is made of tougher stuff than that. When confronted with Boulares' thieving ways, she stood up for herself and refused to back down.

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

THE MET POLICE SPEAK OUT

The Metropolitan Police have released a statement regarding the incident, saying: "Police were called to a restaurant on Kensington High Street on Saturday, 8 February following reports of a theft and an assault. CCTV showed the suspect stealing a phone from the table and then assaulting a separate member of the public who confronted him."

Zacariah Boulares has been charged with common assault and theft in relation to the incident.

As for Genevieve Chenneour, she's being praised by fans and fellow actors alike for her bravery. "Genevieve showed real bravery throughout," said a source close to the actress. "It was a very shocking incident – one that shows what's happening on London's streets on a daily basis."

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!

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 High Street Kensington

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

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 year