Blue have since issued a statement on social media explaining that the alleged incident occurred as Lee Ryan was travelling from Georgia to Istanbul, Turkey with Turkish Airlines.
Taking to Instagram today, the band wrote: “While on a flight from Georgia to Istanbul, Turkey with Turkish Airlines today (Saturday 8 July 2023), Lee Ryan was physically assaulted by a male passenger.
“Lee and the rest of the band, defended him from the attack, which continued after the plane had landed when the passenger pushed Lee down a flight of stairs causing an injury to his leg.
“Both parties were spoken to by the police in Turkey and to which Lee voluntarily gave a victim statement supported by the band.
“Lee was not at any point arrested, detained or charged with any offence and after giving his statement, was free to continue his journey.”
The statement concluded: “The assault occurred after Lee had put his feet on the seat which was considered culturally insensitive and for which Lee has apologised for any unknowing offence caused.”
Social media users offered their well wishes to the singer following the alleged incident.
Lee, 39, was found guilty at Ealing Magistrates’ Court in January of racially aggravated common assault by beating and behaving in an abusive way towards a black cabin crew member on a flight from Glasgow to London City Airport on 31 July last year.
He insisted that his comments were “drunk banter” and that there was no malice or intention to upset anyone.
Lee successfully appealed to overturn his guilty plea over claim he allegedly bit a police officer who attempted to arrest him when he arrived at the airport.
The singer claimed he had received bad advice from his lawyer Mike Rainford to enter a guilty plea.
Ruling that Lee could withdraw the plea, deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram said: “There is a feature of this case that makes it slightly different.
“Mr Ryan was diagnosed with ADHD. He has subsequently been diagnosed with Asperger’s. One of the challenges that people with high-functioning autism can have is slow processing of information and responding inappropriately to what is said.
“Mr Ryan was advised. He received that advice as an instruction. In these circumstances I am in real doubt as to whether it was an informed admission of guilt or a following of instructions.
“It would be unjust not to allow him to withdraw his guilty plea.”
Lee entered a second not guilty plea at the hearing and elected to be put on trial.
A decision on whether or not he will face a trial will be made at another hearing in July.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Hollywood News Click Here
