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Leona attacker was X Factor reject

Leona Lewis - Celebrity News - Marie Claire Rex Features

The man who assaulted Leona Lewis was reportedly jealous of her success, after he failed to make it through the first round of the X Factor.

Peter Kowalczyk, 29, has been charged with assault and sectioned under the mental health act following the attack, which took place at the Waterstone's book store in Piccadilly, on Wednesday afternoon.

Leona, who won the X Factor in 2006, had been happily signing copies of her autobiography Dreams for over 90 minutes, but fled the store in tears after being viciously punched in the face.

Kowalcsyk - who has a history of mental health problems - is currently being held in a psychiatric unit, and is due to appear in court later this month.

His dad Tomasz has said that his son 'wants to be a singer'.

'He went along and queued at X Factor. How far he got with it? Nowhere.'

Leona, who has been left bruised and shaken after the ordeal, has cancelled a promotional tour due to take place in Germany this week, and yesterday released a statement about the incident.

'Yesterday was a horrible shock and left me extremely hurt and upset,' said the 24-year-old. 'I'm very sorry to those I wasn't able to meet at the signing. Thank you again for all of the lovely messages. Love you all.'

Friday 16 October 2009


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Me and my friends have always said that entering some of these reality shows can have scarring effects on people if they don't make it. Sometimes even those who are, indeed talented, are embarrassed by some of the comments that jdges make. Imagine if you're no Beyonce and someone says something harsh about your talent, or lack thereof.

Anyway, I think considering the fact that people can get hurt/embarrassed in the process of sifting through the have and have nots of were singing is concerned, there should be a screening process. People should be asked, in furture, whether they have ever had any sort of mental instabilities like manic depression, bipolar, or anything that can affect their judgement upon rejection. There are so many ways people can respond to such. I'm surprised that a lash out like this didn't happen sooner.
Comment by Thandie on October 16 12:45

what a pity the trooper spirit of responsiblity and courage is lost on current perfomers
a bit shaken a little bruise - give me strength
Comment by jane on October 16 13:12

I agree that it can be traumatising to go through the process that is X-Factor, and there are definitely people put through to the judges for entertainment value who clearly don't have the mental capabilities to understand rejection nevermind cope with it - however I disagree that they should be screening people by asking about previous mental illnesses. In any other interview process elimintating someone on that basis would be considered discrimination.
Comment by Kirsteen on October 16 13:20

I do feel sorry for her as it's a horrible thing to happen to any one but as far as I can understand she's just a little bruised - no broken bones or serious damage, so to me it just seems a little bit over the top to be cancelling a tour over the incident.
Comment by Jade on October 16 14:15

I object to the comments made about manic depression. I have manic depression and let me assure you I have no problems with rejection whatsoever.
Comment by Vicky Crowther on October 16 14:19

What a pity that this bumpkin cannot be given a heft dose of his own medicine. Mentally ill or not, he wants a good flogging. It's not Leona's fault that he's such a loser.
Comment by Jonathan on October 16 18:33

I feel sorry for Leona, it must have really shaken her. The trouble with the X Factor isn't the judges, or the audience, it's the families who, if they really think anything of their child, sibling or friend should tell them straight that they are not that great and stop deluding them. Surely they know a duff note when they hear one, or are they too so desperate for a way out of their dull little lives?
Comment by bigmouth on October 17 08:16

I can't believe people's heartlessness. Though the physical result was that Leona was slightly bruised, the mental traumna of that would make you want to take some time out for yourself. I've not been punched but have been indecently touched and it left a lasting effect on me where I am very wary of people when I go out. Though it is a different sort of attack it is an attack nevertheless. No one can really understand unless it has happened to you. Leona should ignore all the nasty comments and take the time out she needs to help her deal with what has happened.
Comment by Breenie on October 17 14:57

Apologies to Vicky, didn't mean to offend. I wasn't actually referring to people with depression with my references, more to people who have a more childlike view of the world and therefore less able to deal with the judges criticisms. My point remains the same, in support of you, it would be completely wrong to discriminate people based on mental illness.
Comment by Kirsteen on October 18 14:31


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