Actress Genevieve Chenneour has revealed that a recent romantic relationship with a woman during a work trip to Mykonos gave her a new perspective on intimacy, describing the experience as transformative while stressing she does not feel the need to label her sexuality.
The 28-year-old, best known for portraying Clara Livingston in Netflix’s Bridgerton, shared her reflections in an online post, saying the unexpected romance had reshaped her understanding of emotional and physical connection.
Actress Says Relationship Was Long Considered but Unplanned
Chenneour explained that although the relationship was not something she had intended to pursue during her trip, it was an experience she had contemplated for much of her life.
She said she had previously kissed women but described the recent relationship as fundamentally different, adding that it offered a deeper understanding of intimacy and mutual care.
According to the actress, the experience helped her appreciate the joy of bringing happiness to another person, describing it as “sex with kindness” and saying it left her feeling empowered in an unexpected way.
Star Declines to Define Her Sexuality
Despite speaking openly about the relationship, Chenneour said she has no desire to categorise her sexual orientation.
Instead, she indicated that the experience was personally meaningful without changing her view that sexuality does not always require a specific label.
Recovery Continues After Violent Theft in London
Chenneour’s latest comments come more than a year after she was assaulted while confronting a mobile phone thief at a café in west London.
The actress fought back against 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares during the incident at a Joe & The Juice branch on Kensington High Street. During the confrontation, a second individual allegedly threatened to stab her.
Boulares was later sentenced to 22 months in prison after being convicted of three counts of theft and common assault over the February 8 attack, which left Chenneour with concussion. Police investigated another teenager in connection with the incident but did not pursue further action.
Psychological Impact Prompted Move From London
Following the attack, Chenneour said she no longer felt safe living in London and moved back in with her mother.
She previously disclosed that the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the second suspect continued to cause anxiety and contributed to severe agoraphobia, making it difficult for her to leave home or use public transport without support.
When returning to the capital for professional commitments, she has since relied on hotel accommodation rather than moving back permanently.
Actress Speaks Out After Second Assault
Months after the café attack, Chenneour revealed she had been assaulted again in central London while walking near Oxford Circus shortly before attending an audition.
She said an unknown man struck her without warning, leaving her visibly distressed and triggering panic attacks moments before she was due to perform.
In a video shared on social media, the actress described struggling to compose herself before the audition, saying the latest incident revived the trauma she had experienced following the earlier robbery.
Sporting Background Helped During Earlier Attack
Before establishing herself as an actress, Chenneour represented Great Britain in artistic swimming and later qualified as an Amateur Boxing Association boxer.
She has credited her boxing training and fight choreography experience for enabling her to react instinctively during the attempted phone theft, although she has advised others not to risk confronting criminals in similar situations.
The actress said her response was driven by instinct but acknowledged that most people would understandably choose not to physically intervene during such incidents.
