Two men have been charged with assault following an attack on TV presenter, broadcaster, designer, and activist Brendan Courtney near his home in Dublin earlier this year.

The incident occurred at around 9:30pm on February 27 at the junction of Usher Street and Queen Street in Dublin 8. Courtney was walking home when he was set upon in what he described as an unprovoked and targeted assault.

The two suspects, aged in their 20s and 30s, appeared before the Dublin District Court on March 4. Both men were charged under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for assault causing harm. They are due back in court in June, pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.  

Speaking previously on RTÉ’s Liveline, Brendan Courtney recounted the traumatic experience and voiced his belief that the assault, although random, may have been motivated by homophobia. He suggested the perpetrators may have recognised him or targeted him for appearing visibly queer.

“I was coming from a gig, so I was wearing particularly fancy clothes… I probably looked flamboyant, but I was just going about my business,” he said. He also described the men as seemingly being “out for the hunt.”  

While expressing gratitude for the general tolerance of Irish society, Brendan Courtney expressed his growing concern over what he sees as a rise in anti-gay rhetoric. “We’re all tired of this nonsense,” he said. “It’s not good enough to be set upon on the street where you live. It’s not good enough. We can do better.”

His comments have sparked wider conversations about LGBTQ+ safety in Ireland, particularly in urban areas. The attack has served as a stark reminder of the challenges that still face members of the queer community, even in societies often viewed as progressive.  

Courtney, known for his advocacy work and his openness about his identity, has received a wave of public support since the incident.