Australia women's soccer captain Sam Kerr testified in a London court on Wednesday, expressing her feeling that British police had discriminated against her due to her skin color. Kerr, who has Indian ancestry, admitted telling officer Stephen Lovell, "you guys are fucking stupid and white," during an incident involving a cab driver on Jan. 30, 2023. The 31-year-old, a player for Chelsea in the Women's Super League, acknowledged making the statement but pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment. Her defense attorney argued that her words were commenting on power and privilege.
During the trial at Kingston Crown Court, Kerr described feeling "terrified for my life" following a heated dispute with a cab driver. She stated that she and her partner, Kristie Mewis of West Ham United, were taken to a police station after the driver alleged they had attempted to break a window. Recounting feeling powerless during the encounter, Kerr indicated she perceived bias based on her skin color.
In response to a question about the power dynamics of the situation, Kerr described her sense of powerlessness and disbelief in the police's response, stating that she felt she was being treated differently because of her race. Kerr also reflected on her behavior during the incident, acknowledging feeling embarrassed and emphasizing that it was out of character for her. She explained that her intention was to convey feeling unjustly treated and not listened to by the authorities.
Moreover, Kerr shared with the jury her personal life details, noting her plans to marry Mewis in December and their expected child, a boy due in May. She humorously recounted their first meeting, mentioning how Mewis reached out to her via direct messages on social media, prompting laughter from onlookers in the public gallery. Kerr, a renowned female striker with 69 international goals for Australia, has been sidelined due to an injury since January 2024. The trial is set to conclude this week.