Golden Globes: In his acceptance speech, actor Peter Dinklage, who won Best Supporting Actor for Game of Thrones, referenced a man named Martin Henderson, asking the audience and viewers at home to Google him.
Henderson made headlines this week for being the victim of an assault that has left him partially paralyzed.
The 37-year-old dwarf actor, who is best remember for his role as a Goblin in two of the Harry Potter films, was standing outside the White Horse pub in Wincanton, Somerset, when he was suddenly picked up by an unknown assailant and thrown across the pavement.
Henderson believes the man who attacked him may have been inspired by English rugby player Mike Tindall, who is said to have been a spectator at a “dwarf tossing contest” in a New Zealand bar last year.
“It all happened so quickly – I think he was with a group of mates and they thought it would be a laugh,” Henderson said. “I guess I was an easy target and the only reason I was picked on was because I am small.”
He suffered multiple injuries, and has been told by doctors he may be permanently bound to a wheelchair.
The attacker, meanwhile, remains on the loose. He is described by police as 5’8” with a slim build and dark. He was last seen wearing a hooded top and baseball cap.
In addition to justice, Henderson hopes to receive an apology from Tindall and the rest of Team England. “The whole [England] team should be made to apologise for what they have done,” he said. “I think until someone steps out and says ‘this is not acceptable’, all dwarfs are under threat.”
[telegraph.]