Leona ditches book tour

15/10/2009

Singer Leona Lewis cancelled a visit to Germany today as she recovered from being punched in the head at a book signing for fans.

The 24-year-old had been due to fly out for a day-long promotional trip, but pulled out in the aftermath of the incident.

Former X Factor winner Lewis had been signing copies of her autobiography at Waterstone's Piccadilly in London yesterday afternoon, when a man in the queue suddenly lashed out. She was left "shaken".

Police arrested a 29-year-old man at the scene.

Her spokesman said today: "Leona was due to go to Germany today for promo but that has now been cancelled. Leona is obviously shocked after yesterday but is OK."

Rehearsals for her first major UK show are due to begin next week and it is understood the Bleeding Love singer is planning to press ahead with them. She is due to play the Hackney Empire next month.

She was taken to see a doctor as a precaution after being struck, but needed no further treatment.

Witnesses said she had been happily signing for around 90 minutes when a man whose book she autographed suddenly punched her in the side of the head.

Her spokesman, who was at the signing, did not hear the man say anything during the unprovoked incident and security officers swooped in. He was seen laughing immediately afterwards.

He said the crazed attack was "beyond cowardly".

Waterstones said it took security at book signings "extremely seriously" and this was the first incident of its kind.

The firm added: "We would like to thank Leona for her professionalism and we are extremely sad that this event was ruined for her, and her fans, many of whom queued from the early hours of the morning to meet her."

Before the signing session for her book called Dreams, Lewis posed for photographs and spoke to reporters.

"I am so glad at the turnout," she said. "It's amazing. I can't believe people are coming to support and I am just very thankful," she said.

Your comments

This article has 1 comment

I Swear To God If I Was In That Queue I Woulda Beat The Dude Who Hit Her SO BADLY!! And Her Security Guards Are So RUBBISH!!! THEY Were Meant To Prevent This From EVER Happening!! I Hope Simon Cowell Sacks Them ALL Without Pay!! Its A Disgrace!!
WE LOVE YOU LEONA!!!

By SuperGirl.. Posted October 15 2009 at 3:24 PM.

We have to check every comment before we can allow it to be published. But don't worry, we've got a team on it 24/7 - so check back soon! Please note that we cannot publish all comments received. The editor's decision is final. Please note that your email address will not be displayed next to your comment.