A young man has claimed he was the victim of a homophobic hate crime after a complete stranger attacked him in Rundle Mall on the weekend.
South Australia police are investigating the alleged assault which happened at about 12.30am on Sunday, near the pigeon statue.
The man — whom NCA NewsWire has chosen not to name — took to social media with a photo of a hospital bracelet from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, telling his thousands of followers about the incident.
He claimed the unknown man grabbed his mobile phone while on a FaceTime call with xjmtzywa friend and threw it on the ground.
The alleged victim said the stranger then punched and kicked him numerous time and repeatedly screamed homophobic slurs at him.
“I was the victim of a homophobic hate crime,” his post read.
“This was a completely unprovoked attack, and I didn’t know the man at all.
“Today, I’m bruised and concussed, still in shock.
“It’s 2022. we need to do f**king better.”
The man has been contacted for comment.
Hundreds of people commented on the post, offering support.
“Sending you so so much love, you deserve to feel safe and it’s so unfair for someone to take that away from you,” one person wrote.
“I hope you’re okay. I’m so terribly sorry this happened to you,” a second commented.
“This is so horrific!! so sorry this happened to you, sending you love,” a third posted.
“Dude this is just the worst. I'm glad you’re safe now. Thinking of you,” a fourth said.
SA Police confirmed they were investigating the matter.
“A young man was assaulted and had his phone thrown to the ground by an unknown man,” a spokesman said.
“The victim received minor injuries.”
Anyone who witnessed or has any information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online.
