An American MAGA influencer and her boyfriend have been charged following an alleged racially aggravated assault at a London Underground station. Melissa Rein Lively, 40, a US national and founder of the “anti-woke” PR firm America First PR, faces a charge of assault by beating. Her boyfriend, Philipp Ostermann, 37, a German national and associate director of a Munich-based private equity firm, has been charged with two racially aggravated public order offences and one further public order offence.
Incident at Bond Street Station
The charges stem from an incident at Bond Street Underground station on the evening of October 11 last year. According to British Transport Police (BTP), the alleged attack occurred after a woman, 34, entered the station with her sister and two young children, one in a pushchair. The group reportedly bumped into the couple, leading to a confrontation.
BTP stated that Ostermann began shouting racial abuse at the victim and her family. When the victim attempted to defend herself, Rein Lively allegedly grabbed her hair. Ostermann then reportedly produced a small bottle, claimed it was pepper spray, and sprayed it in the direction of the victim and her family. Rein Lively also shouted abuse and made lewd gestures before both parties left the area.
Legal Proceedings
The first hearing for the case is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The charges relate to two alleged victims, according to a court list. BTP confirmed that an investigation was launched following the attack.
Background of the Accused
Melissa Rein Lively, based in Arizona, is known for her outspoken support of former President Donald Trump. She previously applied for the White House press secretary position during Trump's second term but was not selected. In a 2020 incident, she filmed herself destroying face masks in a shop during the Covid pandemic. Her Instagram page promotes her PR firm, America First PR.
Philipp Ostermann works as an associate director at Aequita, a private equity firm headquartered in Munich, with offices in South Carolina and Tokyo.
