A well-dressed couple sought by police over an altercation in central London have been named as a financier and the Trump-supporting founder of the world’s first anti-woke PR firm.
British Transport Police released a photo of a man and woman after a family claimed they were racially abused and assaulted at Bond Street Underground Station on Saturday, October 11.
Philip Ostermann and Melissa Rein Lively were named online overnight and in reports on Tuesday.
The Standard contacted each for comment but have yet to receive a response.
Mr Ostermann is associate director of a Munich-based private equity firm called Aequita, with offices in Tokyo and South Carolina. His work profile was taken down on Tuesday morning.
Ms Rein Lively, 40, is a political consultant who fought for the job of White House spokesperson for Donald Trump’s second term before the US President plumped for Karoline Leavitt last year.
She has spoken publicly of showing her support for Trump.
In 2020, Ms Rein Lively made headlines by filming herself trashing face masks in a shop during the pandemic.
Last month Melissa posted a picture on Instagram of herself outside Sotheby’s auction house on Bond Street, wearing the same outfit as the woman in the BTP photo.
It is captioned: “With love from London.” She has since deleted her account.
Mr Ostermann had been listed to speak at a private equity conference at the Syon Park stately home near Heathrow on October 14.
BTP said a woman was sprayed with suspected pepper spray, subjected to racial abuse and assaulted during family day out.
The victim, 34, had been entering Bond Street station with her sister and two young children, one of whom was in a pushchair.
The couple were walking together in front of them when the female collided with the buggy.
A spokesman added: “The man then began shouting racial abuse at the victim and her family, before the woman grabbed her hair.
“When the victim tried to defend herself the man pulled out a small bottle and said it was pepper spray before spraying it in the direction of the victim and her family.
“The woman shouted abuse and made lewd gestures at them before both parties left the area.”
Detectives released an image of two people they wanted to speak to following the incident at around 7.30pm.
BTP officers believe the man and woman could have information that may assist their enquiries.
Enquiries to establish what the substance was are ongoing. There were no ill effects reported.
Anyone who recognises them is asked to text BTP on 61016, quoting reference 413 of 12 October, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
