Transport for London (TfL) have pledged to investigate after Will Young claimed a bus driver called him a “poofter” while he was driving through Fulham.
Mr Young took to Twitter to appeal for help in tracking the driver down.
TfL has since apologised and reiterated that any form of hate crime is “completely unacceptable” and would “not be tolerated”.
The musician used the social media platform to recount the incident yesterday.
He said: “Homosphobic (sic) abuse from a TfL bus driver calling me a poofter.
“Reported it ten minutes after it happened and TfL have been amazing.”
He added: “To be called a poofter isn’t the nicest thing and it reminds me of what a vile thing prejudicial language is to try and shame others. I can take actions, many young people can’t.”
Homosphobic abuse from a tfl bus driver calling me a poofter. Reported it ten minutes after it happened and TfL been amazing. However bus companies on route say video footage gone as too late – quite how someone complains and actually GETS footage I am unsure
— Will Young (@willyoung) January 5, 2018
TfL doing everything they can but I am appealing to @TfL @SadiqKhan to help me find the driver to ensure he doesn’t abuse others . PLEASE DM me
— Will Young (@willyoung) January 5, 2018
TfL been great at reacting to my tweet . All I need is an apology – no witch hunt . To be called a poofter isn’t the nicest thing and it reminds me what a vile thing prejudicial language is to try and shame others. I can take action, many young people can’t
— Will Young (@willyoung) January 5, 2018
However, it is understood no footage can be found of the incident which happened December 12.
Chief executive Steve Burton told the BBC: “We’re very sorry to hear of Will Young’s experience, and are looking into it urgently.
“Everyone has the right to travel without fear of abuse or intimidation and if anyone witnesses or is victim to hate crime they should report it immediately.”
Mr Young called on Sadiq Khan to help find the driver “to ensure he doesn’t abuse others.”
