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Calvin Nicol is accustomed to having people stare at him because of his appearance. He’s just not used to getting attacked over it.

The 31-year-old piercer and artist was walking home from work along Rideau Street at about 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 when he was attacked by at least four males who Nicol believes singled him out because of his unique look. Nicol has extensive tattoos, numerous facial piercings, eyes that are tattooed black, a split tongue and silicone horns implanted on his forehead — all part of his belief in the art of body modification.

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“They pretty much just called me a freak with horns, and mentioned my eyes and how they were going to give me black eyes,” said Nicol.

“For me, it was pretty much a hate crime. I was just walking by and they jumped me.”

Nicol said he was surrounded by the group outside the McDonald’s on Rideau. Nicol said the group questioned whether he thought he was tough because of how he looked and demanded he empty his pockets, although nothing was stolen.