Violent assault at gay bar Family Bar on K Rd

James Laverty, who sometimes appears as drag queen Miss Chocolate, was seriously assaulted outside Family Bar last week. Photo / Dean Purcell

A man working at a gay bar has been seriously injured after he was beaten up by a man and woman last week.

James Laverty, who sometimes appears as drag queen Miss Chocolate, was working at K Rd's Family Bar on July 16. The Herald understood he was not dressed in drag at the time.

A man and woman were refused entry to the bar and a fight took place when they would not leave the premises, Detective Senior Sergeant Nina Pedersen said.

Family Bar on K Rd where the assault occurred. Photo / Jason Dorday

Laverty then called 111 to get help from Police. While he was on the phone he was violently assaulted by the duo and suffered serious injuries to his jaw, cheek and eye socket.

He later posted to Facebook a photo of his swollen and cut face. Laverty said he was very upset and shocked with the assault. He said it would take weeks to recover and he was determined to find the culprits.

"I got hurt and not for the right reasons.

"It will take me a few weeks to recover and be able to come back to work."

Auckland City CIB is investigating the assault.

Pedersen said they were following positive lines of inquiry and supporting the victim through this difficult time.