A decorated British Army veteran who lost an arm and leg in Afghanistan and served alongside Prince Harry has spoken out about the horrifying racist abuse he endured during a routine shopping trip to Tesco.
Ben McBean, a former Royal Marine hailed as a "real hero" by Prince Harry, was subjected to vile racial slurs and told to "go back to his own country" while shopping at the supermarket in Plymouth.
From Battlefield to Supermarket Abuse
The 37-year-old veteran, who carries visible reminders of his service with a prosthetic leg and missing arm, described how the incident unfolded during what should have been an ordinary errand. "I was just trying to do my shopping," McBean recounted, his voice filled with disbelief at the memory of the confrontation.
McBean's military service saw him deployed to Afghanistan in 2008, where he suffered life-changing injuries when he stepped on a Taliban landmine. His bravery and recovery earned him widespread admiration, including from Prince Harry, who once said of McBean: "He is a real hero who deserves everything."
A Shocking Contrast: War Hero to Abuse Victim
The incident highlights the disturbing reality that even those who have sacrificed immensely for their country can face discrimination in their own communities. McBean, who was born and raised in Britain, expressed his frustration at being made to feel like an outsider in the nation he nearly died defending.
"After everything I've been through for this country, to be told I don't belong here is just heartbreaking," McBean stated. The veteran's physical injuries, sustained in service to the United Kingdom, made the racist remarks particularly cruel and ironic.
Community Outpouring and Support
Since sharing his experience, McBean has received an outpouring of support from fellow veterans, local residents, and community leaders. Many have expressed outrage that a man who sacrificed so much for national security could be treated with such disrespect in his hometown.
Tesco responded to the incident, stating they have a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any kind in their stores. A spokesperson for the supermarket chain confirmed they are investigating the matter and will cooperate fully with police if the veteran decides to press charges.
Broader Implications for Veteran Support
This incident raises important questions about how Britain treats its military veterans and the ongoing challenges they face when reintegrating into civilian life. McBean's experience serves as a stark reminder that the battles for some service personnel don't end when they leave the battlefield.
Veterans' mental health advocates have emphasized the particular impact such incidents can have on those already coping with the trauma of combat and life-changing injuries. The support from Prince Harry and the royal family following McBean's injury highlighted his status as a national hero, making the recent abuse even more shocking to those familiar with his story.
