Emma West was denied bail at Croydon Magistrates’ Court after it was heard she had received death threats and her address had been circulated on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.
West was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence, linked to a YouTube video filmed on the Croydon to Wimbledon Tramlink on November 27, which has now received over 11 million hits.
The video shows a young mum on camera shouting and swearing racist abuse on the tram, while her toddler son sat on her lap.
The 34-year-old mother and former dental assistant from New Addington, sobbed and bowed her head as the court was shown footage of the video.
After the video was played, she pleaded not guilty.
West’s solicitor, David Ewings applied for her bail but it was denied it, for her safety.
Magistrates chairman Ian McNeal said: “We are told that your address has been widely circulated on Facebook and Twitter and there has been numerous death threats.
“This case has attracted a high degree of public interest as evidence today. For these reasons we are remanding you in custody for your own protection.”
As West was taken to the cells, friends and family there to support her shouted “we love you Emma, be strong” and “treason”.
West will next be in court on January 3 via video link. She has opted for her case to be dealt with in the crown court.