The pro-Palestinian activist who aggressively confronted comedian Matt Lucas on the London Underground has been exposed as an attention seeker who fled his hometown in disgrace, according to former friends and estranged family members. Thomas Abdullah Bourne, a 39-year-old Islamic convert who uses the social media handle 'White British Muslim', followed the Jewish comedian, 51, into a Tube elevator last week in a now-viral incident.
Confrontation on the Tube
The footage shows the 6'11" fundraising consultant from East London shouting 'Free Palestine' at the Little Britain star before appearing to goad Mr Lucas by asking, 'You don't like what I'm wearing, do you?' - referring to his keffiyeh scarf. He then pressed the comedian further, asking 'You've got a problem with Palestinians, Matt?' to which an ambushed Mr Lucas responded simply, 'No'.
Background Revealed
The Daily Mail has revealed that Mr Bourne was born Thomas Edward Oliver Heather and chose his new surname as a tribute to the fictional spy and assassin Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon in the film franchise. Those who know him describe the wannabe action hero as a 'clown' who 'leaves a trail of destruction and chaos wherever he goes'.
An estranged family member told the publication: 'It does not surprise me that he has done something stupid. If I ever see him again, it will be too soon.' The relative explained that Mr Bourne left his hometown more than a decade ago, stating: 'He got off the train in London about 13 years ago and basically converted to Islam in the back of a taxi.'
Social Media Presence and Activism
After the clip of Mr Bourne accosting Mr Lucas went viral, he quickly deleted his Instagram account. However, dozens of images of Mr Bourne at various rallies remain online, including one photograph with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn where he wears a keffiyeh and a fake press hat.
Mr Bourne had previously explained that he set up his Instagram account - White British Muslim - to raise awareness for Palestine and highlight the Islamophobia he has received as a white convert. He told the Women of Resistance: 'I wanted to break down barriers, I've experienced a lot of Islamophobia in my life since I took my Shadah back in 2015.'
Family Criticism
The unimpressed family member added: 'He is a complete fantasist. His name is not Bourne, it is Heather. He used to call himself "Abdullah Bourne" because he wanted people to think he was like the film character Jason Bourne. He's a Walter Mitty character and is best described as the "class clown". He is an attention seeker, and I bet he did this stunt so he could say "look at me".'
Another estranged relative noted: 'He is freakishly tall – he's 6-foot-11 - that is what you first notice about him. He was known around town as "the tall man". But he has a lot of issues as well. A very chaotic lifestyle. He is a complete train wreck.'
Matt Lucas's Response
In the video showing the exchange, Mr Lucas is seen wearing a black jacket, red jumper and white cap, riding an escalator in a Tube station. As he realises he is being filmed, the Little Britain star attempts to block his face with his right hand. Mr Lucas has not commented about the incident, but he has been praised on social media for his calmness in the face of Mr Bourne's aggression.
It is not clear from video footage why Mr Lucas was targeted by the activist, but many online have suggested it was due to his Jewish heritage. The comic was raised in a Reform Jewish household, although he has described himself as an 'atheist' and 'fairly secular Jew' in the past.
Mr Lucas was a signatory to the 'No Hostage Left Behind' open letter in October 2023, celebrating the release of two American and two Israeli hostages, but has not been a particularly vocal presence on the conflict. The actor has also thanked then US President Joe Biden for his 'unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people' in Israel's fight against Hamas.
Several members of the comedian's mother's family fled Nazi Germany just before the Second World War. When Mr Lucas appeared on the BBC's genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? he was stunned to learn a relative of his featured in Anne Frank's diary.
