A 23-year-old British influencer is being held in Dubai after being charged with the fatal stabbing of a man she had reportedly met online, a case that has attracted international attention due to claims of domestic abuse, self-defence and the possibility of a death sentence if she is convicted.
Brooke George, formerly from Gravesend in Kent, was arrested at Dubai airport as she prepared to board a flight back to London.
Prosecutors have charged her with murder following the death of 26-year-old William Treeby.
George Says She Was Trying to Escape an Abusive Situation
George maintains that the fatal incident occurred after an alleged violent assault inside Treeby’s apartment.
According to her account, Treeby initially charmed her during an earlier visit to Dubai, promising her luxury, career opportunities in modelling and an exciting lifestyle.
However, she alleges that his behaviour changed dramatically when she returned to the UAE weeks later.
She claims he confiscated her passport, preventing her from leaving the country, and assaulted her after she demanded its return.
George says she had already arranged a flight home before the confrontation escalated.
According to her version of events, the violence began after the pair returned from a night out and continued inside Treeby’s apartment, where she says she grabbed a nearby kitchen knife and stabbed him because she feared for her life.
Friend Rejects Abuse Allegations
A close friend of William Treeby has strongly disputed George’s claims, describing the victim as generous and caring.
Speaking anonymously, the friend insisted Treeby had treated George well during her stay in Dubai and denied allegations that he had withheld her passport.
The friend questioned why George had voluntarily travelled back to Dubai for a second visit if she believed Treeby was controlling or abusive.
While acknowledging that the pair reportedly argued during a night at a local bar, the friend claimed the disagreement was mutual and suggested George later went to Treeby’s apartment, where the fatal stabbing occurred.
He accused George’s supporters of unfairly portraying Treeby as an abusive individual without allowing his side of the story to be heard.
Human Rights Organisation Backs Self-Defence Claim
The case has been taken up by the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, which argues that George should be treated as a survivor of domestic violence while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The organisation says George acted in self-defence following an alleged physical attack and has called on authorities to ensure she receives a fair legal process.
Its chief executive, Radha Stirling, warned that the case highlights concerns about vulnerable young women allegedly being lured to Dubai with promises of romance, wealth or career opportunities before finding themselves trapped in abusive situations.
Family Says George Was Desperate to Return Home
George’s relatives say they witnessed a dramatic change in her behaviour shortly before the incident.
Her mother, Thereza George, recalled speaking to her daughter both before and after the stabbing, describing her as terrified, emotional and desperate to leave Dubai.
According to her mother, George appeared unusually withdrawn before the incident and later contacted her while crying uncontrollably, with visible facial injuries including a swollen eye.
The family believes she was attempting to escape an increasingly dangerous situation and insists she acted out of fear rather than intent to kill.
Concerns Raised Over Detention Conditions
George’s family has also voiced concerns about her treatment following her arrest.
They allege she was required to remove her clothing in front of male officers, denied immediate access to legal representation and struggled to understand official proceedings because of language barriers.
British authorities have confirmed they are providing consular assistance and remain in contact with both George’s family and officials in the United Arab Emirates.
Victim’s Family Mourns Another Tragic Loss
The death of William Treeby has devastated his family, who have already endured a previous tragedy.
In 2009, William’s father, Jack Treeby, was killed in a deliberate hit-and-run attack linked to a family property dispute. Several relatives were later convicted over the murder, while one of those convicted subsequently died in prison.
Now, nearly two decades later, William’s mother, Karen, says she is once again grieving the loss of a loved one.
In emotional tributes shared online, she described her son as deeply loved and vowed that his memory would never be forgotten.
His sister, Esther, also remembered him as not only her brother but her closest friend.
Investigation Continues
Dubai authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
George remains in custody while legal proceedings move forward.
Prosecutors have charged her with murder, but her legal supporters maintain she acted in self-defence after an alleged assault.
The case is expected to draw continued international attention as investigators examine the competing accounts surrounding the events that led to Treeby’s death
