Andy Carroll thanks public after speaking about 2021 sexual assault

WHAT HAPPENED
Former England striker Andy Carroll has thanked the public for their support after speaking publicly about being sexually assaulted at his home in 2021. Carroll, 36, said he feared he would never fully recover from the trauma of the incident, which took place during his second spell at Newcastle United.

RESPONSE
Speaking on the Football Uncensored podcast, Carroll said the response to going public had been "massive" and that he had been "beating myself up about it". He added: "I'm happy with who I am, I'm happy with how I've dealt with it, and I've got the support around me with my partner, my family and friends, and now the public."

THE CASE AND PUBLIC DETAILS
The man who attacked Carroll was jailed for 20 months in 2023 after being convicted of sexual offences. Carroll identified him as television dance coach Kevin Adams in an interview with the Sun; Adams appeared on the BBC series Fame Academy in 2002. Adams has not commented publicly since Carroll named him.

Carroll has written about the assault in his autobiography Owning It. He said he threw the man out of his home and later knocked him unconscious when the man tried to get back inside. Carroll described giving evidence in court as "humiliating and embarrassing and absolutely horrendous" and said the experience "was eating me alive inside for so long".

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
Carroll played for Liverpool and West Ham and is now a player and co-owner of National League South side Dagenham. The BBC notes details of help and support for sexual abuse or violence are available via the BBC Action Line.