Anya Taylor-Joy stepped out for her first public appearance since news broke about a convicted robber being jailed for targeting her London home, attending the Apple TV Press Day in Santa Monica, California on Tuesday. The 29-year-old actress, known for her roles in The Queen's Gambit and the Dune franchise, showcased a stylish ensemble on the red carpet at the Barker Hangar venue.
Red Carpet Style and Upcoming Series
Taylor-Joy wore a sophisticated leather pencil skirt featuring a dramatic thigh-high leg slit, which she paired with a fitted long-sleeved top and elegant strappy heels. Her appearance marked a return to the spotlight following the distressing events at her London residence.
At the event, she was joined by co-star Timothy Olyphant to promote their upcoming television drama series, Lucky, scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ in July. The series, based on Marissa Stapley's novel, follows the titular character portrayed by Taylor-Joy as she attempts to transition away from a life of crime.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Details
The show boasts an impressive supporting cast including Golden Globe Award-winner Annette Bening and Oscar-nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Filming for Lucky recently commenced in Las Vegas and is expected to relocate to Los Angeles in the coming days, resuming production after delays caused by January wildfires.
Terrifying London Burglary Incident
Taylor-Joy's public appearance coincides with the sentencing of career criminal Kirk Holdrick, 43, who was involved in a frightening break-in at the actress's London mansion in February 2023. Holdrick and an accomplice, both wearing masks, smashed their way into the luxury property in what prosecutors believe may have been a targeted attack on the Hollywood star.
Confrontation and Escape
Taylor-Joy's husband, musician Malcolm McRae, confronted the intruders before barricading himself and his wife inside a bedroom. Armed only with a lamp, McRae faced the burglars as they attempted to prise open the bedroom door with a crowbar. In a desperate move, McRae shouted that he had a firearm, causing Holdrick and his accomplice to flee the property empty-handed.
The Metropolitan Police arrived to find the couple still barricaded inside the bedroom, with significant damage to the door frame. Both Taylor-Joy and McRae reported being traumatised by the experience and expressed fears about future targeting.
Criminal Background and Additional Sentences
Holdrick, who previously served a life sentence for armed robberies committed in 2005, has now received an additional three-year prison term for the burglary involving Taylor-Joy and her husband. Remarkably, just nine days after the London incident, Holdrick committed another home invasion in Sandbanks, Dorset, where he and an accomplice disguised as police officers held a mother and daughter at gunpoint during a £220,000 raid.
Resilience and Moving Forward
Despite the traumatic experience, Taylor-Joy demonstrated remarkable resilience by appearing on the Baftas red carpet just one week after the burglary. The actress continues to maintain her professional commitments while navigating the aftermath of the security breach at her London home.
The sentencing brings some closure to the disturbing incident that occurred when Taylor-Joy, her husband, and his bandmate Kane Ritchotte were staying at the London property in February 2023. The break-in occurred around 1am, with the intruders smashing glass in a side door to gain entry before being confronted by McRae.
