Pro-Trump US influencer and German financier face racially aggravated assault charge at Bond Street Tube station
Two individuals have been charged following an incident at Bond Street Underground station in which a woman was allegedly racially abused and assaulted as she entered the station with her family, including two young children. Melissa Rein Lively, a 40-year-old US national, is charged with assault by beating, while Philipp Ostermann, 37, a German national, faces two racially aggravated public order offences and a further public order offence. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised British Transport Police detectives to bring the charges, the force said on Friday.
The Alleged Incident
The incident is alleged to have taken place at around 7:30pm on 11 October 2025. According to British Transport Police, the victim was entering Bond Street station with her sister and two young children, one of whom was in a pushchair, when Lively and Ostermann, who were walking in front of the family, collided with the pushchair. Ostermann is alleged to have begun shouting racial abuse at the victim and her family. Lively is then accused of grabbing the victim by the hair. When the victim attempted to defend herself, Ostermann allegedly produced a small bottle, claimed it contained pepper spray, and discharged it in the direction of the victim and her family. Lively is also alleged to have shouted abuse and made lewd gestures. The use of pepper spray is illegal in the United Kingdom. The charges filed by the CPS relate to two alleged victims.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath of the incident, British Transport Police released an image of the couple appealing for information, stating they believed the individuals could assist their enquiries. The force later said they believed the couple did not reside in the United Kingdom and had left the country. Ostermann is understood to have departed the UK on 14 October 2025, and Rein Lively on 24 October 2025. A first hearing has been scheduled to take place at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
Nature of the Charges
The charge of assault by beating, brought against Lively, is a specific form of common assault under English law. It occurs when unlawful force is intentionally or recklessly applied to another person. The physical contact does not need to cause injury; even a push or a slap can constitute assault by beating. The offence is typically tried summarily in a magistrates’ court and carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment or a fine.
Ostermann’s charges relate to racially aggravated public order offences, which are defined under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. These apply when a basic public order offence — such as those under sections 4 or 4A of the Public Order Act 1986 — is aggravated by racial hostility. For an offence to be considered racially aggravated, the offender must demonstrate hostility towards the victim based on their actual or perceived race, or the offence must be motivated wholly or partly by such hostility. These offences carry significantly more severe penalties than their non-aggravated equivalents. A racially aggravated public order offence under section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986 can result in a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment if the racial aggravation is proven, compared to six months for the basic offence. The court also has the option of imposing substantial fines.
Background of Those Charged
Melissa Rein Lively is a US national from Arizona and describes herself as a Trump-supporting influencer. She is the founder of America First PR, which brands itself as “America’s #1 Anti-Woke PR Firm” and aims to represent conservative voices and protect free speech. Lively previously vied for the role of White House spokesperson for Donald Trump’s second term. She has a history of online incidents, including a 2020 video in which she tore down a Target COVID mask display while claiming to be a “QAnon spokesperson.” She later described that episode as a “PR stunt” and attributed it to mental health struggles. Lively has also spoken publicly about her family’s Holocaust history and her own involvement with QAnon, which she has described as a “cult.” She also founded The Brand Consortium PR in 2009, which focuses on luxury lifestyle brands, and has stated that America First PR was a “deeply personal and purpose-driven decision.” The firm reportedly has plans to launch a European arm named “Europe First PR.”
Philipp Ostermann is described as a financier and an associate director of the Munich-based private equity firm Aequita. He had been scheduled to speak at a private equity conference in London on 14 October 2025, but is no longer listed on the event’s schedule. His professional profile on Aequita’s website was reportedly taken down following the incident, and his LinkedIn account has been deleted. Research profiles also note a postdoctoral associate position at the University Hospital Cologne, with research interests including SARS-CoV-2.
The media and public are reminded that nothing should be published or shared that could prejudice the upcoming court proceedings.
