A gay designer was violently assaulted by an individual hurling derogatory slurs. The attacker has been sentenced to several years in prison | LGBTQNation

Pol’ Atteu was hospitalized for two days following the assault, suffering from a concussion, a fractured shoulder, bruises, and various other injuries.

In September 2019, during a charity fashion show in Los Angeles, gay fashion designer Pol’ Atteu was violently assaulted by a man upset that his daughter was not selected to participate. Now, five years later, justice is being served for Atteu.

Atteu was hospitalized for two days following the assault, suffering from a concussion, a broken shoulder, bruises, and various other injuries. His assailant, Jesus Rodolfo Zepeda, was arrested, but due to COVID-19-related jail protocols, he was released shortly afterward.

The attack occurred backstage at Saint John’s Cathedral in Los Angeles during a fashion show organized by the couple to support Make-A-Wish. The event was even documented on their reality TV show, “Gown and Out in Beverly Hills.” Zepeda’s nine-year-old daughter had been excluded from the show by Atteu.

This week, Zepeda received a five-year prison sentence for the assault, with additional probationary terms and strict supervision. Any minor violations during probation could lead to immediate imprisonment. Furthermore, a 10-year protection order has been issued for Atteu and his husband, Patrik Simpson.

Atteu and Simpson feel that the justice system initially failed to recognize the attack as a hate crime, despite the repeated homophobic slurs used by Zepeda during the assault. However, the system eventually acknowledged it as such.

“Atteu expressed his dissatisfaction, stating in an interview with The Advocate, ‘I don’t feel justice was served. We couldn’t reach a resolution, and although I understand the constraints of the law, it didn’t offer me protection or assistance.'”

Atteu emphasized the significance of the courts acknowledging it as a hate crime. He stated, “It was crucial for us to highlight this and ensure that it was officially recognized as a hate crime, which it was.”

The recognition of the assault as a hate crime by the courts held significance for the couple beyond legal implications. It served as a stance in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, which frequently faces challenges when navigating the criminal justice system.

Atteu and Simpson aim to leverage their experience to support other LGBTQ+ individuals facing similar challenges, advocating for streamlined processes that spare them the lengthy legal battles they endured.

“I hope to advocate for others and provide insights into the process, guiding them on the necessary documentation and where to seek the support they require,” Atteu expressed.