The thug – said to be in his late 20s or early 30s – queued up for a signed copy of the singer’s new book, Dreams, and then…… attacked her in front of 200 stunned onlookers. Pretty Leona reeled back in shock clutching her face as her five burly bouncers dived on the attacker while cops rushed to the scene.
She was then rushed out of a side door by minders and taken to a top Harley Street clinic for emergency treatment. A pal of the star said: “Leona was utterly shocked and appalled as it came out of nowhere. “The man queued up patiently, then as soon as she signed his book he smashed her in the face.
“He didn’t say anything to her and she is at a loss as to why anyone would do such an evil thing. “She is devastated as she comes from quite a humble background and loves meeting her fans. “She was doing a three-hour signing and planned to sign hundreds of books.” The pal added: “She’s been taken to a Harley Street doctor by her record label as she needs to be fixed up as it was quite a punch and she’s very dainty. “She’s not due to appear singing for another couple of weeks, on The X Factor, so hopefully she’ll be fine by then.”
However, the star was due to appear on the One Show last night on BBC1 – but had to pull out. She was just 30 minutes into a planned three-hour signing of her autobiography, Dreams, at Waterstones in Piccadilly, London yesterday evening. A spokeswoman for the star said: “Leona was the victim of an unprovoked attack this afternoon at her book signing. “The police were called immediately and medical attention has been sought.
“Leona is understandably shaken and apologizes to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings.”