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Leona Lewis has admitted she is scared of large crowds and "dodgy" looking men after she was the victim of an assault.
The X factor star has cited an incident at a 2009 book signing as the reason for her fears.
While promoting her book 'Dreams', the 27-year-old was punched in the face by a man who found his way in to the event by masquerading as one of Lewis' fans. After happily signing autographs for around 90 minutes, the sudden assault left was said to have left her 'badly shaken'.
At a signing for her new album 'Glassheart' at Oxford Street's HMV store on Monday, she described how despite only receiving minor bruising, the psychological effects have been more serious.
Leona Lewis at the 2009 signing where she was attacked
She said: "I'm definitely more aware when I go out in public and it has 100 per cent had an effect on me and my life.
"But I've just got to deal with it. I don't like going out where it's really, really crowded. I'm obviously very suspicious of any men who look a bit dodgy."
The attack shook up the singer to such an extent that her 'Glassheart' signing on Monday is the first she has done since the assault three years ago.
Her reservations were demonstrated by the fact that she had a huge security presence at the signing.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, she also confessed that the event had brought back unpleasant memories from the attack.
She added: "I don't feel like anything is going to happen to me but being in that situation brings back memories."
See the incident where Leona Lewis was attacked below.
Photos: bad girls gone good - Leona and more stars with a dark past
