OHMYGOSSIP — Harry Visinoni found it “difficult and very moving” to hear about the “absolutely horrific” murder of Sophie Lancaster while researching his latest ‘Coronation Street’ plot.
The ‘Corrie’ star admitted it was tough to hear the “first-hand account” from Sophie’s mother Dr Sylvia Lancaster about what happened to her daughter – who was stamped to death by a gang in 2007 for being a goth – ahead of playing out a hate crime story in which his character Seb Franklin and Mollie Gallagher’s alter-ego Nina Lucas will be viciously attacked because of how she looks.
Harry said: “I have had several meetings with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation over the last few months and Sylvia has told me in detail about the events that transpired in 2007 which were absolutely horrific and it was difficult and very moving to hear that first-hand account of what happened.
“They discussed with me in detail the current British laws surrounding hate crime and the fact that in most instances where alternative people are subjected to violence or abuse it is failed to be categorised officially as a hate crime, which is incredibly frustrating and something that has stood out to me as an injustice. Sophie Lancaster was murdered as a product of ignorance, blind hate and prejudice.
“People are prejudiced towards others because of a lack of understanding, and assume that someone is something because of the way that they outwardly express themselves, but everyone should have the right to be themselves and feel safe in doing so.”
Harry hopes the hard-hitting plot will educate people on “the importance of eradicating prejudice”.
He said: “I would like to think that it would start a conversation in people’s living rooms.
“Seb and Nina are attacked because of prejudice and hatred to the way Nina looks – they are two characters that the audience knows personally and sees as kind, innocent and well intentioned people, and I’m hoping this means that they will relate to the devastation that it causes for all involved.
“I would hope that this storyline forms a part of a greater process of educating on the importance of eradicating prejudice, and protecting everyone’s right to be who they are and feel safe.”
Mollie admitted she is “really grateful” to be able to work with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation on the plot, which she also hopes will “educate” others.
She said: “I hope this storyline raises awareness and educates.
“I hope it sends out the message that we should be free to be who we want to be, and that we should all be accepted in society for being ourselves, and that we shouldn’t feel like we have to hide for being who we are.
“Everyone should feel free to express themselves.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online
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