British dwarf becomes unwitting Twitter trend after being name-checked by Golden Globes winner during acceptance speech

  • Peter Dinklage dedicated award to Martin Henderson and told audience to 'Google him'
  • Aspiring English actor had been assaulted outside pub

A tribute by a Golden Globe winner has led to a dwarf from Britain today becoming one of the world’s top Twitter trends.

Games Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage ended his acceptance speech with a mention of the name Martin Henderson, and the suggestion to 'Google him'.

Millions did. Then within minutes Mr Henderson was a trending topic on Twitter. Those who searched him online found the horrific story.

Peter Dinklage told the audience to Google Martin Henderson when he accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor
Peter Dinklage told the audience to Google Martin Henderson when he accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor

Peter Dinklage told the audience to Google Martin Henderson when he accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor

Peter Dinklage and Erica Schmidt, left, arrive at the Golden Globe Awards, where Mr Dinklage highlighted the story of Martin Henderson

Peter Dinklage and Erica Schmidt, left, arrive at the Golden Globe Awards, where Mr Dinklage highlighted the story of Martin Henderson

Mr Henderson is a 37-year-old dwarf and aspiring actor who was left badly injured after being picked up and thrown to the ground by a drunk man.

The attack happened as he stepped outside a pub in Wincanton, in Somerset, to have a cigarette.

Mr Henderson, from nearby Milborne Port, who suffers from achondroplasia dwarfism and spinal stenosis, said his legs went numb after the callous attack.

He said the October 7 attack was inspired by a 'dwarf-tossing' event attended by some members of England's national rugby team.

There was outrage in Britain after the event held on a night out during last year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

England's rugby stars were also seen downing shots as they partied in a Queenstown bar called Altitude, which was hosting a 'Mad Midget Weekend'.

Numb: Mr Henderson, 37, said he struggles to stay upright and often falls over following the attack

Numb: Mr Henderson, 37, said he struggles to stay upright and often falls over following the attack

The White Horse pub in Wincanton, Somerset, where Martin Henderson was attacked

The White Horse pub in Wincanton, Somerset, where Martin Henderson was attacked

It was also the night that one of them, Mike Tindall, who was newly married into the Royal Family, was captured on CCTV kissing ex-girlfriend Jessica Palmer.

The night out followed a disastrous opening match for the England team, setting the tone for their appalling performance on and off the field during the tournament.

The stars, including Tindall, the husband of Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips, were disciplined for attending the event, as well as for other acts of bad behaviour on the tour.

Mr Henderson believes the violence that has put an end to his promising acting career may not have happened it it wasn't for the news about the players' night out last September.

'The England players had been in trouble for going to a dwarf tossing event and this might have given this guy the idea,' he said last week.

Party time: Steve Thompson was among the England players who were on a night out in the Altitude Bar in Queenstown

Party time: Steve Thompson was among the England players who were on a night out in the Altitude Bar in Queenstown

England rugby stars Mike Tindall, the husband of royal Zara Phillips, (left) with Dylan Hartlet and Chris Ashton on top of each other at the Altitude Bar

England rugby stars Mike Tindall, the husband of royal Zara Phillips, (left) with Dylan Hartlet and Chris Ashton on top of each other at the Altitude Bar

But his story was highlighted by Dinklage won best supporting actor in a TV series, miniseries or movie for his performance in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. He earlier won an Emmy for the role.

Games Of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage won best supporting actor, for a TV miniseries drama.

Before signing off with the reference to Mr Henderson, Dinklage revealed how his mother kept him grounded in his acceptance speech.

He said: 'I was talking to my mother in Jersey before I came out, and she said, "Have fun, but have you seen Mildred Pierce? Guy Pearce is so good. He's going to win."

'So I haven't seen Mildred Pierce but I'm sure it's really good, and I just love our moms because they keep us humble.'

Reacting to the name-check, Martin said: 'I could not believe it when I heard I had been mentioned.

'I was totally shocked. It is really odd to think my name was heard by all these actors.

'It is nice to know my message is getting out to people that it is not acceptable to throw dwarves around.

'I have a massive response and it has mostly been really positive.

Martin confirmed he is still awaiting an apology from the England rugby team over the incident - which has left him needing to use a wheelchair for long journeys.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.