A former Miss Scotland has been found guilty of racially abusing and assaulting a security guard while being removed from a rugby tournament in Edinburgh. The incident, which took place in June 2023, has sparked outrage and led to her being stripped of her title.
Court Hears Shocking Details of the Incident
Lucy Thomson, 26, was found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after a two-day trial. She was accused of biting security guard Andrew Okpaje on the hand and using a racial slur while being escorted out of the Edinburgh City 7s competition.
During the trial, Okpaje testified that Thomson and her sister were intoxicated, which prompted security to remove them from the venue. As they were being escorted out, Thomson allegedly shouted, “Do you know who I am?” and boasted about her wealth before physically attacking security personnel.
Viral Footage and Public Backlash
The altercation, caught on video, quickly spread across social media. The footage showed security struggling to restrain Thomson while she shouted and resisted. The video intensified public backlash, with many condemning her actions and calling for swift consequences.
Following the widespread outrage, the organizers of Miss Scotland moved to strip Thomson of her title, distancing themselves from her behavior.
Legal Consequences and Fallout
Despite denying the charges, Thomson was convicted of both assault and racially aggravated conduct. The court’s decision underscores Scotland’s strict stance on hate crimes and violent behavior.
| Incident Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Edinburgh City 7s 2023 |
| Victim | Andrew Okpaje (Security Guard) |
| Charges | Assault, Racially Aggravated Conduct |
| Verdict | Guilty |
| Miss Scotland Title | Revoked |
The incident has raised broader discussions about accountability in public figures and the impact of social media in exposing high-profile misconduct.
Industry Response and Reputation Damage
Pageant organizers and sponsors have distanced themselves from Thomson, emphasizing that her actions do not reflect the values of the competition. Several brands that had previously collaborated with her have reportedly severed ties.
Meanwhile, campaigners against racism have pointed to the case as an example of why stronger measures are needed to address hate speech and unacceptable behavior, particularly from public figures.
With sentencing yet to be announced, Thomson faces potential penalties that could include a fine or community service. As Scotland continues to take a hard stance against hate crimes, this case serves as a stark reminder that public status does not place individuals above the law.
