Two drag performers were viciously attacked in Cork city centre during the weekend, with one left bloodied and battered. Yet Krystal Queer and Lucina Schynning are refusing to back down – their planned club night is still on this Thursday.
Violent Assault Caught on Camera Amid Jazz Festival Buzz
Krystal and Lucina were filming promos for their Saints event on bustling Oliver Plunkett Street early Sunday when a man kicked them from behind. Shockingly, bystanders cheered as the attacker ran off.
Minutes later, a second group closed in. One man smashed Krystal’s face with his phone, ripping a deep cut on her lip. She required urgent medical care for swelling, bruises, torn gums, and injuries that continue to scar.
Video footage shared online shows the first attacker fleeing to applause. The drag duo bravely recorded both attacks, clips now viewed over 500,000 times.
“We were just filming a little reel when a guy kicked us and the crowd started cheering,” said Krystal.
Shock as Crowd Laughs, No One Steps In
Lucina chased after the initial attacker before hearing Krystal’s panicked scream during the second assault. They described how the attackers filmed them, mocking and laughing.
The performers were stunned by the crowd’s reaction. “Hundreds of people watched and no one helped,” Krystal lamented. “Men in the street laughed and cheered as we were attacked.”
Just hours earlier, they had rocked the Cork Jazz Festival stage, then decided to film some fun footage. “We weren’t bothering anyone, just two drag queens having fun. Yet our very existence made us targets,” Lucina said.
Refusing to Be Silenced – Club Night Goes Ahead
Despite trauma and fears for their safety, Krystal and Lucina vow to keep their Saints event on track. “It feels strange promoting the night after this, but we won’t let anything dim our light,” said Krystal.
Lucina called it an act of defiance. “The best way to fight this hate is to stay true to ourselves. Pride has always been protest, and so are we.”
They have identified the attackers and reported them to An Garda Síochána, who are investigating the case as a potential hate crime. Additional witness videos back their claims.
Krystal warned the attack signals worsening conditions for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. “We thought marriage equality meant safety – turns out that was a false sense of security.”
The pair thanked Gardaí for respectful treatment during their statements. A Garda spokesperson confirmed ongoing inquiries but no arrests yet.
Calls for Safer Streets Amid Growing Fear
Local politicians demand better protection for Cork’s nightlife districts, especially during big events like the Jazz Festival.
Krystal and Lucina are trusted names in Cork’s drag scene, known for shows like D’Beours and Krystal & The Queers. Their Saints night celebrates the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community through performance and party.
Violent intimidation won’t stop these queens shining bright in Cork’s entertainment heartland.
