Man who rose to fame with 'the dress that broke the internet' charged with attempted murder of wife

Keir Johnston, who basked in the glory of his mother-in-law's dress, has been allegedly assaulting his wife

In a shocking turn of events, Keir Johnston, the man who rose to fame when a dress worn by his mother-in-law went viral, has been charged with the attempted murder of his wife, reported The Guardian. The incident has shed light on an alleged history of domestic violence and coercive control spanning nearly a decade.

Keir Johnston, a 38-year-old resident of the Isle of Colonsay in Scotland, appeared in Glasgow high court on Monday to face charges against him. The prosecution claims that Johnston subjected his wife to a campaign of serious domestic violence, culminating in an attempt to take her life. The allegations include physical assaults, verbal abuse, threats, and acts of intimidation.

According to reports, Johnston repeatedly assaulted his wife at their home in the Inner Hebrides, with incidents ranging from pushing her against a wall to throttling her and brandishing a knife. It is also alleged that he attempted to enter a vehicle she was in and struck her through an open window. Furthermore, Johnston is accused of isolating his wife from her friends, closely monitoring her movements, and controlling her finances.

The irony in this tragic situation is not lost on observers. Johnston's initial claim to fame came in 2015 when a photograph of his mother-in-law's dress went viral. Dubbed "The Dress That Broke the Internet," the image sparked a heated debate about its true colours. Johnston made media appearances, including an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, as a result of the dress's internet fame.

However, prosecutors now argue that behind the scenes, the couple's relationship took a dark turn, descending into a series of violent attacks. The alleged culmination of Johnston's abusive behaviour occurred on March 6, 2022, when he reportedly pinned his wife to the ground, strangled her, and made threats of violence while brandishing a knife.

Johnston, who denies all charges against him, will face a preliminary hearing before his trial in 2024. The case serves as a reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the urgent need to address it.

As the legal proceedings progress, one can only hope that justice is served, and that the individuals affected by these events find the support and healing they need to rebuild their lives.

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