Celebrity hairstylist Alberto Vasquez, 53, was brutally attacked outside a gay nightclub in West Hollywood, leaving him unconscious and fighting for his life. The vicious assault has left his family and friends fearing that he was targeted for his race or sexuality in a hate crime.
Vasquez, who has worked for prestigious studios and catwalks in Paris and New York, was found beaten and left for dead outside Heart Weho in the Rainbow District. He spent over a week in critical condition in the ICU, undergoing emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure on his swelling brain.
His sister, Gloria Jimenez, expressed their concerns, stating, “We feel it’s gay bashing. He did not get robbed. He’s the type of guy who wouldn’t harm anyone, and to leave him almost for dead is awful.”
The community has rallied around Vasquez, with a GoFundMe appeal set up to cover his medical and living expenses. The appeal has already raised $47,000 of its $50,000 target, showcasing the outpouring of support for the beloved stylist.
As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is working to identify the attacker. Michelle Hansen, Vasquez’s colleague, emphasized the importance of finding the perpetrator to prevent further harm, stating, “We need to find out who did this to our wonderful friend, brother, and uncle.”
The shocking attack on Alberto Vasquez has sparked outrage and concern in the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the ongoing issue of hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation or race.