TRAGIC DEATH OF DARREN SEWELL MOORE IN NEWPORT AND CARDIFF SPARKS OUTCRY

In January 2023, the city of Cardiff was shaken by the sudden and mysterious death of Darren Moore, a well-known figure within the LGBTQ+ community and a controversial personality with a complex past. Moore, aged 39 and originally from Newport, was discovered deceased in the early hours of a Sunday morning in Cardiff city centre, specifically in the Windsor Place area. His body was found after an incident that police are currently investigating as 'sudden and unexplained,' prompting a thorough post-mortem examination and ongoing inquiries to determine the cause of death.

Moore, who was also recognized by his stage name Crystal Couture and performed under the alias CC Quinn, was dressed in full drag attire at the time of his death. Witnesses reported that he was wearing a blonde wig, elaborate makeup, false breasts, a yellow dress with frilly sleeves, and a matching handbag. His appearance was consistent with his reputation as a flamboyant performer on the drag scene, both locally and nationally. Moore had gained notoriety for his appearances at various events, including Pride festivals, and was known for his vibrant personality and engaging performances.

Prior to his death, Moore had been reported missing after a night out with friends in Cardiff. His close friend, Stacey Selwood, posted an emotional appeal on social media, describing how he was last seen in Cardiff around 5 a.m., with his phone turned off and his location unknown. She expressed her concern, stating, 'Darren was last seen in Cardiff around 5am this morning and hasn’t been seen since. His phone is off and the location to find his phone. Friends who he was out with said he just left on his own and they haven’t seen him since. His partner is absolutely beside himself. This is not like Darren at all and his family are worried sick for his safety.'

Following the discovery of his body, tributes poured in from members of the local LGBT community and friends. The Cardiff gay bar, The Golden Cross, tweeted under the headline 'Rest in Fabulousness,' expressing their sorrow: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of Darren Moore’s passing. He was the life and soul of the party and would always be entertaining the masses, usually accompanied with a round of shots.' A GoFundMe campaign was also launched, raising over £4,000 to ensure Moore received a proper farewell, with supporters praising his 'larger than life character and charisma.'

Moore’s criminal history is a significant aspect of his story. As a teenager, under his birth name Darren Sewell, he was convicted of four counts of raping a boy under 16 in Barry, South Wales. He served three years in a Young Offenders’ Institution and was subsequently banned from having contact with children. Despite this, in 2011, he was convicted of breaching the order by working as a gymnastics and dance tutor in Cardiff, where he coached children as young as nine at various clubs. His sentence included a three-year sex offender’s treatment program, a 24-month supervision order, 300 hours of unpaid work, and a six-month electronic curfew.

Moore’s rise to national prominence occurred in 2018 when he represented British Airways at a Pride Festival in Brighton. He was hired as a drag performer for the airline’s float, which toured the seaside city. Dressed in a cabin crew costume, complete with a thick black wig, makeup, false eyelashes, stockings, high heels, and a blue uniform, Moore posed for photographs alongside British Airways staff, waving the rainbow flag. It was later revealed that British Airways was unaware of his criminal past, as he was then using the name Sewell. The airline clarified that Moore did not work directly for them but was engaged through a third-party entertainment agency.

Moore’s stage act, Crystal Couture, was described as suitable for audiences of all ages and was available for various celebrations, including weddings, christenings, and birthdays. However, his reputation was marred by controversy when, during a 2018 event titled 'Pride Without Prejudice,' he made insensitive jokes about Jimmy Saville, a notorious child abuser, prompting some audience members to walk out.

In his personal life, Moore married his long-term partner, also named Darren, and adopted the surname Moore. He ran a jewelry business called Blingblingbling and showcased his work at RuPaul’s DragCon in London in 2020. Despite his flamboyant persona, his past continued to cast a shadow over his life and career.

Moore’s criminal record includes a history of sexual offenses. In March 2011, he was re-sentenced after breaching his sex offender’s order by working with children. It was revealed that he had worked as a gymnastics coach in Cardiff and Swansea, despite being banned from contact with minors. His past convictions for raping a boy under 16 in Barry, South Wales, had led to his initial imprisonment and registration as a sex offender. Authorities found Facebook photos of him coaching children, which triggered investigations. His sentence for breaching the order included a treatment program, supervision, unpaid work, and a curfew.

As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a complex figure whose life was marked by both vibrant performances and a troubled past. The police have not yet confirmed the cause of death, and next of kin are being kept informed as the post-mortem results are awaited.