Known for a seemingly harmless optical illusion that took the internet by storm, Keir Johnston of Colonsay is now making headlines for a much grimmer reason
The 38-year-old man from the Isle of Colonsay, who initially gained recognition due to the infamous “dress that broke the internet,” now stands accused of attempting to murder his wife.
Who is Keir Johnston of Colonsay of the famous optical illusion dress arrested for trying to murder his wife Grace Johnson
In 2015, a dress that Johnston bought for his mother-in-law became an online sensation, dividing viewers between perceiving it as either black and white or white and gold. This sparked fierce debate, prompting even scientists to explain the phenomenon. Today, the world views Johnston in a much different light.
According to The Times, Keir Johnston, 38, of the Scottish island of Colonsay, is accused of engaging in a nearly 11-year campaign of trying to kill his wife.
1. A man who found fame after his mother-in-law's dress went viral in 2015, has been charged with the attempted murder of his wife.
38-year-old Keir Johnston is alleged to have carried out a campaign of domestic violence and coercive control for at least a decade. pic.twitter.com/uAOhS0uGn1
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) July 15, 2023
Charged with systematic domestic abuse of his wife spanning 11 years, Johnston now faces the High Court in Glasgow. On Monday, July 10, 2023, the serious allegations were made against him.
Keir Johnston, el tipo que viralizó la famosa ilusión óptica del vestido, fue acusado de intentar matar a su esposa después de ejercer violencia doméstica durante 11 años
Ellen DeGeneres les había regalado USD$10.000 y un viaje al Caribe en vivo en 2015 pic.twitter.com/b2OWm0tUCi
— fefe (@fedeebongiorno) July 15, 2023
The allegations against Keir Johnston, A decade of abuse
Over the past ten years, Keir Johnston is said to have hurt his wife in a number of ways. Prosecutors say he emotionally and physically abused her all the time. They say he pushed her against a wall, screamed at her, and tried to scare her through the window of a car she was in. It was also said that he put her in a headlock and dragged her out of a pub when she said she didn’t want to go with him.
The final act of attempted murder
The violent episodes reportedly escalated to a chilling climax on March 6, 2023. It is alleged that Keir Johnston forced his wife to the ground, sat on top of her, and strangled her with his hands to restrict her breathing. Following this horrific act, he is said to have threatened her life and frightened her with a knife.
Preliminary hearing and impending trial
Prosecutors say that the couple’s relationship got more and more violent over time, leading up to the accused attempt to kill. The case of Keir Johnston will have a preliminary hearing, and the trial is likely to start next year, in 2024.
When something goes popular on the internet, it often makes people famous, but it can also bring up scary stories. From the man who made the famous dress illusion, Johnston’s story has indeed taken a dark and worrying turn. As the trial goes on, the whole world watches in shock and expectation. This is a big change from when Keir Johnston was known for harmless debates about how people see different colours.
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