Pol’ Atteu : Fashion Designer Takes Stand Against Assault at Show

Following the sentencing of his assailant, fashion designer Pol’ Atteu has vowed to take a more public stance against hate crimes. Five years after being assaulted during a Make-A-Wish Foundation fashion show in Los Angeles, Atteu is determined to fight for justice and raise awareness.

Sentencing and Impact

Jesus Rodolfo Zepeda, the man who attacked Atteu in September 2019, was sentenced to five years in state prison. However, due to certain stipulations, Zepeda only served four days in county jail. Atteu, who had to testify multiple times, expressed the difficulty of facing his assailant in court.

Recognizing the Hate Crime

Atteu emphasized the importance of recognizing the assault as a hate crime. California law defines hate crimes as acts of violence targeting individuals based on various attributes, including gender identity. Atteu was determined to prove that the attack was a result of hate towards his sexual orientation.

Advocacy and Support

Atteu and his husband, Patrik Simpson, are committed to advocating for tougher laws against hate crimes. They plan to work with organizations like GLAAD and the Advocate to support victims and raise awareness about the prevalence of hate crimes in the LGBTQ+ community.

Statistics and Impact

Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation show a significant number of hate crimes in the U.S., with a notable percentage attributed to sexual orientation. In California, hate crimes against people, particularly based on sexual orientation, have seen a significant increase in recent years.

Media Presence and Advocacy

Atteu and Simpson, known for their reality show and podcast, are using their platforms to highlight the issue of hate crimes. They aim to incorporate their advocacy into their upcoming projects, including their reality show and podcast.

Details of the Assault

The assault on Atteu took place during a fashion show, where Zepeda, the assailant, posed as a modeling agent. Despite being escorted out, Zepeda returned and attacked Atteu from behind. The incident, witnessed by many, left Atteu hospitalized with injuries.

Impact and Future Advocacy

Atteu’s determination to seek justice and raise awareness about hate crimes stems from his personal experience. By sharing his story and working with advocacy groups, he hopes to empower others to come forward and speak out against hate crimes.

Overall, Atteu’s journey from being a victim of a hate crime to becoming an advocate for change showcases the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity.