A transgender woman was bashed at Newtown’s Town Hall Hotel on Friday night, and points some of the blame at the venue’s security.
Transgender musician Stephanie McCarthy was scheduled to play at the Hotel with her band Love Maul, when threatened and eventually bashed by a group of five young men – while security allegedly “turned away”.
McCarthy told the Inner West Courier she had warned staff beforehand trouble was brewing and said it was “absolutely dumbfounding that nothing was done”.
After posting images of her bruised face on social media, hundreds joined her at The Hub in protest of the incident – labelled alcohol-fuelled violence, but just as likely stemming from McCarthy’s sexuality.
She reports being abused, called a “faggot”, her hair being pulled and finally being pinned down and punched repeatedly. Afterwards, security reportedly escorted the offender(s) out and to the train station.
The Town Hall Hotel, known as the ‘Townie’, issued a statement describing the incident as “shocking and deeply regrettable”.
It reports full cooperation with Newtown Local Area Command, including surrendering all CCTV footage.
Newtown Police have already made an arrest and charged a 23-year-old with affray. He has been issued conditional bail and will appear in Newtown Local Court 9 July.
The claim against security could prove significant for the venue, particularly as Sydney’s inner-west attempts to ward off any suggestions it should be blanketed under the same notorious trading restrictions generally known as “lockouts”.
