Wendy Drew, a chef who appeared on the Netflix show You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, was brutally attacked in San Francisco in what authorities are describing as a racially motivated assault. The incident occurred on Sunday in the city’s Financial District and has sparked widespread outrage, with Drew now speaking out about the violent encounter.
Drew, who is Black, had just left a café on Drumm Street when she was confronted by a man who hurled a racial slur at her. Shocked, Drew questioned the man about his offensive remark. Rather than explaining, the assailant suddenly struck her on the head, escalating the situation into a physical altercation.
In an attempt to protect herself, Drew managed to pull the man into a nearby liquor store, where the confrontation continued. Surveillance footage from the store shows the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Irvin Rivera-Lara, holding Drew down and repeatedly punching her. The disturbing video has since been shared with authorities and is part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the severity of the attack, Drew fought back, and witnesses outside the store acted quickly to prevent Rivera-Lara from fleeing the scene. Bystanders detained him until San Francisco police arrived and took him into custody.
Rivera-Lara now faces multiple charges, including assault likely to cause significant bodily injury, committing a hate crime, and providing false information to law enforcement officers. San Francisco police have confirmed that they are treating the attack as racially motivated, and Drew has expressed her deep disappointment that such incidents continue to occur in a diverse and progressive city like San Francisco.
“I was just living my life, leaving a café, and suddenly I’m in a fight for my safety,” Drew said in a statement. “No one should have to experience violence or hate because of the color of their skin. This can’t keep happening.”
Drew has received medical attention for her injuries, which, though not life-threatening, have left her shaken. Friends, supporters, and fellow chefs have rallied around her, calling for justice and denouncing the racial hatred that fueled the attack. The broader community in San Francisco has also expressed its solidarity with Drew, condemning the incident as part of a disturbing rise in hate crimes across the country.
The Netflix chef is known for her role in You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, where she explored food, culture, and identity. Drew is now using her platform to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of racially motivated violence and the importance of confronting racism in all its forms.
As the investigation continues, Rivera-Lara remains in police custody. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office has yet to announce an official court date, but legal experts anticipate a severe response to the charges, given the racial component of the crime.
This latest attack highlights the persistent problem of hate crimes in the United States, even in cities like San Francisco that are known for their cultural diversity and inclusivity. Advocacy groups have emphasized the need for stronger legal and social measures to combat racism and protect vulnerable communities.
