Carroll thanks public for support over sexual assault

Former England footballer Andy Carroll has expressed his gratitude to the public for their support following his public disclosure of a sexual assault he endured in 2021. The incident occurred at his residence during Carroll's second tenure at Newcastle United. The perpetrator, identified as Kevin Adams, a friend of Carroll's former partner, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in 2023 after being found guilty of sexual offenses.

Adams, who once appeared on the BBC show Fame Academy in 2002, was accused by Carroll in a recent interview with the Football Uncensored podcast. Carroll stated that the public's response to his disclosure had been overwhelming and that it has significantly assisted him in coping with the trauma. He acknowledged that if he had disclosed the assault five years ago, he might have felt a lot better and could have moved on sooner.

Carroll detailed the assault in his autobiography, Owning It, and mentioned that the incident took place while he was asleep. He recounted how he ejected Adams from his home and knocked him unconscious when he attempted to re-enter. Carroll described testifying in court as "humiliating, embarrassing, and absolutely horrendous," expressing that he will never fully recover from the trauma.

However, he believes that the public, along with his partner, family, and friends, have provided him with the necessary support as he continues to heal. Adams has not issued a public statement since Carroll made his allegations public.