Robert Hunt, known artistically as Rider Shafique, a performance artist and filmmaker from Gloucester, has firmly denied accusations that he grabbed his brother’s girlfriend, Holly Davis, by the neck, pushed her, and used racist language during a family dispute. He insists these claims are intended to tarnish his character.
The incident occurred at Hunt’s rented home in Gloucester during Christmas 2023, where tensions between Hunt, his brother Joshua Mills, and Mills’ partner Holly Davis escalated over a domestic disagreement regarding toilet paper. Hunt, 48, faces a single charge of racially aggravated assault, which he categorically refutes.
The courtroom at Gloucester Crown Court continues to hear evidence related to the charge that Hunt physically assaulted Davis by pushing her into a bathroom and over a toilet and racially insulted her using the phrase “dutty white girl.” Hunt contests these allegations, denying both the physical assault and the use of offensive language.
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Judge Recorder David Chidgey highlighted Hunt’s community work, noting his involvement in fostering and advocacy against racism. Hunt also described his physical condition at the time, revealing he had just returned from Barbados and was suffering from kidney stones, which left him feeling unwell.
According to Hunt, the altercation started when he overheard Mills and Davis arguing about toilet rolls. Attempting to defuse the situation, he confronted them. He acknowledged anger during the incident but denied any violent behavior or racial slurs, stating that if he used the term “dutty,” it was never intended to refer to Davis’s race, especially as she is white.
Hunt emphasized his commitment to combating racism through his work and expressed that the allegations were an attempt to undermine his reputation. The court further heard Hunt recount the violent struggle with his brother that resulted in Hunt sustaining seven stab wounds, including one to the neck. Despite the injuries, Hunt said their focus shifted to ensuring he received medical attention.
Throughout cross-examination, Hunt maintained his innocence regarding the assault and racist language claims, attributing the disputed phrase to Mills. He admitted to being angry during the confrontation but denied explosive aggression toward Davis.
The jury convened on February 2 to deliberate the evidence presented.