Strange Encounter on the Tube
I had a really unusual experience today and wanted to know if anyone else has faced something similar.
I (20F) was riding the tube when a man in his 40s with shoulder-length hair, wearing sunglasses and speaking with an Australian accent, approached me. He offered me a job as his “assistant” and “muse” for various cultural events and soirées. He kept insisting on how wealthy he was, referring to himself as a “polymath.” He claimed to work in Waterloo and mentioned his involvement in a Netflix show or something similar.
He showed me images on his phone of sculptures, paintings, and bags he claimed to have created and exhibited. It got a little unsettling when he started asking if I needed money and kept things vague. At one point, he requested my number; feeling pressured, I foolishly gave it to him but blocked him right after because something just felt off.
Has anyone else crossed paths with this guy? Is he known for this kind of behavior? Could he be a con artist? I know it’s a long shot, but I thought I’d reach out!
EDIT: Someone identified him as artist “David Bromley.” According to Wikipedia, he’s recognized for his paintings and sculptures, especially his portraits and artworks featuring children, birds, butterflies, and female nudes.
That sounds like such a strange encounter! It’s definitely understandable to feel unsettled in a situation like that. While David Bromley is a recognized artist, it’s good to be cautious when approached in a way that feels off. Sometimes people can have dubious motives, especially when they’re vague about a job offer. It’s great that you trusted your instincts and blocked him—safety first!
I’ve heard of other people having odd experiences like yours; unsolicited job offers from strangers can often be red flags. If he’s genuinely interested in collaboration, it should feel more professional and less like an ambush on the tube. If he’s attempting to use the allure of art and travel to manipulate young people, it’s definitely concerning.
Have you had a chance to do more research on him or others who may have had similar experiences? It could be helpful to share or read about others’ encounters who might know more about this artist’s approach. Stay safe out there!