Keir Johnston, the Scottish man known for being the husband behind the infamous dress that broke the internet, recently pleaded guilty to attacking his wife, Grace Johnston. The incident occurred in their home on Scotland’s Isle of Colonsay in March 2022. Johnston was accused of brandishing a knife and threatening his wife during a drunken assault. The attack stemmed from an argument after Grace had defied Keir’s instructions not to attend a job interview on the mainland.
The day of the attack began with Keir Johnston threatening to leave his wife, sparking an argument between the couple. Things escalated when Johnston followed Grace outside, pinned her to the ground, and began strangling her with both hands. A witness intervened, pulling Johnston off Grace, but he soon returned, threatening to “finish” her off while holding a knife. Grace, who suffered severe bruises, managed to call the police during the terrifying ordeal.
Keir Johnston was initially charged with attempted murder and during the trial at the Glasgow High Court, Grace Johnston described an 11-year-long history of abuse and coercive control by her husband. Keir had allegedly isolated Grace from her friends and family, as well as monitored her money, deciding how much she could access. The abuse came to light following the high-profile incident involving the dress that went viral online.
The couple became internet sensations when Grace’s mother, Cecilia Bleasdale, bought the famous dress a week before their wedding in 2015. A debate over the dress’s colors ensued with Grace seeing it as white-and-gold while Keir perceived it as black-and-blue. The photo of the dress was posted online, sparking a viral debate that led to the couple appearing on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” to settle the matter. The show host gifted the couple a check for $10,000 and a trip to the Caribbean.
Following his guilty plea, Keir Johnston applied for “continued bail” but was ultimately placed in custody until his sentencing in June. The judge, Lady Drummond, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating that Johnston had put his wife’s life in significant danger during the terrifying incident. With the guilty plea, Johnston’s status has changed, and he will face the consequences of his actions when he is sentenced next month. The case serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
