The 24-year-pop star was signing copies of her autobiography, “Dreams,” and posing for photographs Wednesday at London’s Waterstone’s bookstore when a man in his late twenties from the line punched her, AP reports.
AP quoted the singer’s publicist as saying that "Leona was the victim of an unprovoked attack" that forced her to leave the event early.
"The police were called immediately and medical attention has been sought. Leona is understandably shaken and apologizes to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings," the publicist went on.
Lewis, winner of the British TV talent show "The X Factor" had been signing autographs for about 90 minutes Wednesday when "a guy came up and punched her to the side of the head," Lewis' spokesman told the BBC.
Punching was funny for attacker
It is reported that the alleged attacker first had his book autographed and then hit Lewis in the face and head when she looked up.
"[the attacker] walked up there with the book, she signed it and, as she looked up, he just punched her," an onlooker told BBC.
"She was running out with her hand over her eye and I just saw a man on the floor. Suddenly the security all jumped on him and they were trying to pull him out and he was just laughing. He thought it was funny,” the witness added.
Waterstone confirms attack
A spokesman for Waterstone also confirmed the incident to ABC News, saying: "We can confirm that there was an incident at the Leona Lewis signing this afternoon. The event was immediately stopped by the security guards present and the police are talking to the individual concerned."
According to the ABC News, officers have arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of assault, and the attacker is now being questioned at a central London police station.
Lewis was badly shaken by the incident and went to see a doctor as a precaution, several tabloid reports indicate.
More on "Bleeding Love" singer
Leona Louise Lewis, born April 3, 1985, is an English singer, songwriter who rose to fame in 2006 as the winner of the third series of the British television series The X Factor. She has now become a multi-platinum selling artist and three-time Grammy Award nominee.
Lewis's UK debut single, "A Moment Like This", broke a world record after it was downloaded over 50,000 times within 30 minutes of its release, becoming the fastest selling UK single.
The London-born singer has released one album to date, Spirit (2007), which also became the fastest-selling debut album and the biggest seller of 2007 in both the UK and Republic of Ireland. The album also made Lewis the first British solo artist to top the Billboard 200 with a debut album.
Her second album, Echo, is due for release in November 2009.
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