DJ couple Kim Ann Foxman and Cora have been attacked in a suspected hate crime.
In a post on social media, New York-based Foxman and Berlin-based DJ Cora said they were assaulted on April 5th, calling it a “disturbing and violent” incident.
Foxman alleged the attack began as they were walking in Berlin to celebrate their one-year anniversary, “when a young woman walking past us reached out and grabbed Cora’s crotch, completely unprovoked.”
“When Cora turned around to confront the woman, asking why she touched her, without pause, the woman immediately lunged at Cora, throwing punches to her face” and knocking Cora down. According to Foxman, the woman was walking with a man who “joined in”, beating Foxman “to the ground” and kicking her “in the back and legs”.
Foxman then recalled the pair tried to call for help, with Foxman resorting to recording their attackers when no one was willing to help. She said recording them “pissed” them off: “Instead of walking away, they punched me again, shoved me to the ground, and repeatedly kicked me (again).”
Continuing in the comments, Foxman said: “We can’t help but feel how being a visibly affectionate queer Asian female couple played into this. From the moment that woman placed her hands on Cora in a sexual manner, it was undoubtedly linked to our sexual identity. That is why we feel like a police report is not enough, and furthermore, those systems uphold the injustices that made us vulnerable to begin with.
“Our queer, rave, and Asian communities need to hear from us directly. Please be extra careful out there.”
In a comment to Mixmag, Foxman further said: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support since we talked about it online. We are navigating doctors’ offices and legal advice while simultaneously just trying to process that this actually happened to us.
“Our post has sparked so much dialogue, including how even our most out and proud cities struggle to protect their queer citizens,” she continued. “We hope the pressure will help the Berlin authorities know the community cares we get justice.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
