Chelsea FC’s striker Sam Kerr has been acquitted of racially aggravated harassment after referring to a Metropolitan Police officer as “stupid and white.”

A jury at Kingston Crown Court exonerated her regarding a dispute that occurred in Twickenham, southwest London, on January 30, 2023.

Ms. Kerr, 31, expressed that she felt “provoked” by the officers following her arrival at the police station via a taxi, after a confrontation with the driver.

The Australian international, who communicated the remarks to Officer Stephen Lovell, acknowledged using the words “stupid and white,” but contended that her comments did not constitute a racial offense.

After the verdict, Ms. Kerr gave a thumbs-up to her legal team before exiting the courtroom alongside her fiancée, Kristie Mewis.

The couple had been drinking before they were taken to Twickenham Police Station by a taxi driver who alleged they had refused to pay for damages after one of them became ill and allegedly broke a rear window of the vehicle.

Judge Peter Lodder KC remarked, “I believe her conduct significantly contributed to the initiation of this claim.” He noted that while he respects the jury’s decision, it deeply impacts the question of legal costs.

Throughout the trial, Ms. Kerr conveyed her regret for how she articulated her sentiments, stating: “However, I believe the core message remained valid.”

She emphasized that she did not intend to insult by referencing whiteness, asserting: “I felt he was leveraging his power and privilege against me by accusing me of something I am not.”

Additionally, Ms. Kerr relayed, “I aimed to communicate that because of their power and privilege, they might never grasp the ordeal we were facing and the fear for our safety.”

It has now emerged that Ms. Kerr’s legal team sought to have the case dismissed during a preliminary hearing, alleging that there was a misuse of process by the crown prosecutors.

Her attorney Grace Forbes stated that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had violated its own protocols, claiming that a “loophole” in the victims’ right of review scheme allowed prosecution procedures to be initiated nearly a year after the incident.

During the court proceedings, it was suggested to Officer Lovell that he only reported that Ms. Kerr’s remarks had caused “alarm or harassment” after the decision to proceed with charges was made.

The jury learned that in his initial statement to the CPS, the officer did not indicate that the “stupid and white” comment had affected him in any way. A subsequent statement provided in December 2023 referenced his feelings of shock and humiliation caused by her comments.

The charges were authorized later that month, nearly a year following the initial incident.