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"It’s disgusting": Sam Kerr's baby announcement ruined by trolls

<p>The Matildas captain Sam Kerr and her fiancée Kristie Mewis have announced they are pregnant with their first child, but their news was sadly met with homophobic comments from online trolls. </p> <p>The football power couple took to Instagram to announce the news with a photo of them holding ultrasound photos. </p> <p>“Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!” the post read.</p> <p>While Kerr's teammates Mary Fowler, Teagan Micah, Kyah Simon and Lydia Williams congratulated the couple, they had to turn off their comments following online trolls making "disgusting" homophobic comments across social media. </p> <p>The trolls' behaviour has been condemned by sports commentators, fans and pride groups alike. </p> <p>“Extremely disappointing to see even the slightest negative reaction to Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis’s fantastic news," BBC sport commentator Tom Overend began. </p> <p>“Couples are free to do what they choose, and you can be a good parent whatever your gender, creed, colour or anything.</p> <p>“We are in 2024 folks.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCgei0SshxO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCgei0SshxO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sam Kerr (@samanthakerr20)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>David Shaw, a Manchester United fan, posted: “I can’t believe some of the comments I’ve seen about Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis news.</p> <p>“Seen one saying how’s that legal and called it bulls***. Seen others say Sam’s not the parent others more interested in who the father is and how much they paid him. Quite frankly it’s disgusting”.</p> <p>Over the weekend, the Women’s Super League launched a “Rainbow Laces” campaign, promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives. </p> <p>Women’s football commentator Paul Wheeler wrote: "'Homophobia isn’t a thing in women’s football' - Also women’s football, Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis announce they’re having a baby and comments are full of “fans” spouting the worst kind of homophobic crap on Rainbow Laces weekend”.</p> <p>Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ support group for Chelsea fans also said: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society." </p> <p>“It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride, and unity.</p> <p>“Over the weekend and today, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts, posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025.</p> <p>“’No to Hate’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a battle cry. It’s a reminder that we must keep fighting for what is right, for true acceptance, and for a game that embraces everyone without exception.</p> <p>“At Chelsea Pride, we stand against every act of homophobia with unwavering strength and passion. We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.</p> <p>“This is our game, our club and our unwavering commitment: Hate will never win here. We will always stand for love, unity and an inclusive future for football.”</p> <p>The couple have since turned on the comments again. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Jelena Dokic hits back at body shaming trolls

<p>Jelena Dokic has hit back at body shaming trolls after revealing her dramatic weight loss. </p> <p>The former tennis player revealed that she has lost 20kgs after becoming concerned about her family's health history, and she had a message for online bullies. </p> <p>“It’s not good if you gain weight and it’s not good if you lose weight. It’s not good if you are a size zero, 10 or 18 it seems,” she wrote in the raw Instagram post on Monday. </p> <p>“So you all know I am very open and honest.</p> <p>“Whether I gain weight, lose weight, depressed, feel great, go through the good or the bad, I am always honest about both sides.</p> <p>“So I thought I would just quickly address my recent weight loss because a few people have written to me and also commented.</p> <p>“So, I have lost 20 kilos from my heaviest weight last year.</p> <p>“I had some health issues but also I just wanted to get healthier and fitter and when I turned 40 last year, I really started to think about my family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.</p> <p>“Also, my work has increased dramatically and I needed to be fitter both physically and mentally and have more energy.</p> <p>“I didn’t have enough energy especially mentally to keep up. I needed to eat healthier to achieve that.</p> <p>“So, I didn’t focus on weight so much but just making better choices to feel my best.</p> <p>“With that the weight started coming off.”</p> <p>While she has previously faced people bullying her over her weight gain, she revealed that she's also been copping flak for losing weight, with some shaming her saying that: "I have succumbed to the ‘diet culture’ and don’t represent the plus size people anymore."</p> <p>"Please don’t even go there,” she said. </p> <p>She added that she will always stand up for people no matter their size, especially women. </p> <p>“It was always about not judging, shaming and bullying people no matter what their weight and size is and instead highlighting that kindness is what matters, not our size.</p> <p>“So, while I have lost 20 kilos it changes nothing.</p> <p>“I still want people to value me and others based on whether we are kind and good people.</p> <p>“I will always be proud of myself and not hide or be embarrassed no matter what size I am. And I will always be against body shaming and against valuing people based on their size and weight no matter if I gain or lose some kilos and dress sizes.</p> <p>“Always against body shaming no matter what.”</p> <p>Her post has already received over 45,000 likes and 3,000 comments, with many praising her for speaking up. </p> <p>“Keep well Jelena, don’t listen to the noise, you will never please everyone. Just keep doing the amazing work you do, love your commentary,” wrote one follower. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Body

Halle Berry's priceless response to troll over naked balcony pic

<p>If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And if you’re Halle Berry, do it while sipping wine and basking in the sunshine, rising above a troll or two along the way. </p> <p>And that’s the exact approach the Academy Award winning actress has taken with her latest social media share, to the delight - and amusement - of fans all over. </p> <p>In a picture posted to Halle’s various online accounts, the 56-year-old can be seen standing nude on a balcony with a wine glass in hand, glowing in the light from above. </p> <p>Some strategic limb placement and shadow work keep the snap well within posting guidelines, though that likely wouldn’t have kept the actress from sharing her peaceful moment, with her caption reading “I do what I wanna do.” </p> <p>Comments flooded in for the <em>Catwoman</em> star, and while some were far more appropriate than others, the general consensus was that Halle should absolutely continue to do exactly what she wanted, with the heartfelt support of her fans behind her, and many applauding her bold statement. </p> <p>“Well behaved women never made history,” wrote author and wellness expert Maria Emmerich. </p> <p>“The blueprint,” declared American rapper Saweetie. </p> <p>“YES!!!!” gushed singer Kelly Rowland.</p> <p>“I’m 61. If I looked like her, I would be way worse!” said one fan. “She looks gorgeous.”</p> <p>“I just wanted to see the sunrise but this is 1000% better!” another chimed. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqyh2CYrZq6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqyh2CYrZq6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, despite the celebration from the majority, there were still those who saw fit to spew their cruelty, with some going so far as to blame Halle’s joy in her body for any hardships in her relationships. Halle silenced them soon enough though, confirming with one fan that it had actually been her own boyfriend - singer Van Hunt - who took the picture. </p> <p>And when someone took issue with Halle daring to bare all in her 50s, the star once again took the high road (to the balcony), drawing attention to the sheer absurdity of the original comment with her unique - and entirely unforgettable - comeback.</p> <p>“Imagine being in your 50s still posting nudes for attention in menopause when you should be chilling with your grandkids,” wrote Halle’s hater, “ageing with dignity is no longer a thing.” </p> <p>And Halle, in a move that gave the ageist comment none of the attention it was craving, merely asked of her followers, “did you guys know the heart of a shrimp is located in its head?” </p> <p>The comment was never going to sit well with the actress, who has been open about her thoughts on ageing in Hollywood - and life in general - in the past, even telling <em>AARP</em> in 2022 that “we’re all going to get older. Our skin is going to shrivel up and we’re going to look different. I see things changing with my face and body, but I’ve never put all my eggs in that basket. I’ve always known that beauty is deeper than the physical body you’re walking around in.”</p> <p>“I refuse to become someone who just tries to hold on to a youthful face and not embrace what’s most important about being beautiful - how you live your life, how you give back to others, how you connect to people, how you strengthen your mind, body, and soul and nourish yourself, how you give in a meaningful way of yourself. The most beautiful people have something radiating inside.</p> <p>“Women are told that when we reach a certain number, we’re no longer valuable. I believe the opposite. Society should look at us as jewels as we get older.</p> <p>“Because the older women get, the more formidable we are.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

"Show some damn respect": Carrie Bickmore targeted by vile online trolls

<p dir="ltr">In a tale as old as time, strangers online have seen fit to make disgusting comments about a woman’s body. </p> <p dir="ltr">When Carrie Bickmore took to social media to share some happy snaps from a day out with loved ones, the last thing on the minds of her fans was to nitpick how the presenter looked.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, for the trolls crawling from the internet sewers for their daily hatefest, that was the first - and only thing - they cared about. </p> <p dir="ltr">The images Carrie had opted to share were simple enough - two saw her jumping for joy alongside a forest path, and another saw her laughing with an arm around friend Fifi Box.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Forest fun for city girls,” Carrie captioned the series of pics. She went on to add that they’d driven an hour and a half to find their intended forest destination only to learn it was closed, before travelling another hour to an open one. The friends shared a picnic, a game of hide and seek with the kids, a milestone “first LEECH” encounter, and a touching photo credit to “a 4 year old.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpuqg9-PcWl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpuqg9-PcWl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Carrie Bickmore (@bickmorecarrie)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Carrie was dressed comfortably for the adventure in an oversized hoodie and yellow bike shorts, Fifi in a red jacket and full-length leggings. But unfortunately, in the year of 2023, these simple and appropriate options didn’t sit well with the noisy few. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her supporters didn’t miss a beat, swarming her comments with positivity, all while calling out the “inappropriate, sexual” commentary invading her post. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Your 4 year old has taken beautiful pics of his Mum having fun and enjoying the long weekend. Great pics,” wrote one. “From all the good men out there, you rock Carrie and keep being you. You bring joy and happiness. Lots of love and support from us.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ffs [for f*** sake] it’s 2023 and there are still guys that think it’s ok to pass sexually inappropriate comments or body shame women all from the safety of their keyboards,” lamented another. “What if people were saying these things about your mother or sister or even daughter? It’s 2023 we must be better than that and treat all women with the respect they deserve. Beautiful photos Carrie.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When one man piped up to share his wildly inappropriate take, the second fan returned to the comments section, writing, “what gives you, me or anyone else the right to mock or embarrass others because of what they choose to wear or their clothes size? Especially people that hide behind a keyboard and have their settings set so they can not be mentioned or called out directly? </p> <p dir="ltr">“If a male chose to wear the same outfit and received similar vile comments then I would still stand up for them and their right to do so. The outfit is in no way offensive but some comments are very much so … I appreciate you have the right to your own opinion but not the fact that you use it in an attempt to make others feel bad. As I said previously, beautiful photos, Carrie.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Some of you have children and here you are commenting on @bickmorecarrie's photos as if she is a slab of meat,” added another. “It’s disgusting. You’re grown men ffs. Show some damn respect.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And as one other put it, “jeeeeebus. Guess I never read your comments (sm comment sections are generally cesspools to be avoided imo [in my opinion] lol) so don't know if this is standard or because some folk can't seem to handle a woman in (entirely appropriate) close fitting attire but holy bejaysus some of the repulsiveness going on in here … hope you had as great a time as it looks like you did! absolute dote!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Images: Instagram</p>

Body

"Back to the kitchen": Granny Guns flexes down at online trolls

<p>A body-builder granny has hit back at trolls after showcasing her killer biceps online.</p> <p>The TikTok star, 62, shows herself pumping iron, and doing various workouts on her account, with nasty individuals leaving comments saying she belongs in the kitchen.</p> <p>The 62-year-old enjoys making TikTok fitness videos, and she’s proved to be extremely successful online, having just shy of 800,000 followers.</p> <p>In one video, the granny is pumping iron at the gym.</p> <p>The video then cuts to her dancing around with a tray of homemade cookies, which she says is how she acts “any other time”.</p> <p>However, trolls online labelled her as just a woman made for the kitchen, and that’s when the biceps came out.</p> <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7208386374041423146&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%4065_strong%2Fvideo%2F7208386374041423146%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F632c57901f47459e97728aea3dbe7729_1678333249%3Fx-expires%3D1678683600%26x-signature%3DQUziUnUI1Gk%252FIjO45MfLA8OhWNk%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p>The granny made a video where she threw shade at a few hate comments such as “women are weak” or “back to the kitchen”.</p> <p>The video then cuts to her friends lifting weights in a show of strength.</p> <p>The gym granny was showing off a tough move at the bicep curl machine.</p> <p>As she pulled the bar to her chest, her biceps flexed to reveal some serious muscle.</p> <p>She captioned her TikTok, “For all my fellow female fitness lovers”.</p> <p>Fellow users flocked to the comments to show their support.</p> <p>“I have a crush on everyone,” one user said.</p> <p>Another exclaimed: “I love this! And all the amazing women in this video!”</p> <p>“I love you grandma”, a third gushed.</p> <p>To which the granny replied, “Love you back”.</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Body

“I didn’t come to play”: Bruce Willis’ wife smacks down trolls

<p>Emma Heming Willis has been forced to shut down the heartless trolls targeting her in the wake of husband Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis. </p> <p>In a video posted to social media, the 44-year-old model throws away claims that she’s been using Bruce for her “five minutes” of fame, and instead declares that she will turn them “into 10 because I'm always going to advocate for my husband.”</p> <p>Emma - who has spoken openly about her support for Bruce - once again stressed that she would be using this opportunity to raise awareness, before she was “going to turn my grief, and my anger, and my sadness, and do something good, around something that feels less than.”</p> <p>“So, watch this space,” she said, “because I didn’t come to play.”</p> <p>Emma’s message comes barely three days after she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/any-tips-bruce-willis-wife-posts-heartfelt-plea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached out to followers</a>, “caregivers, or dementia care specialists navigating this world” alike, seeking advice on how to help “get your loved ones out in the world safely”.</p> <p>“If you are someone who is looking after someone who has dementia,” she said in the clip, “you know how difficult and how stressful it can be, just to get them out into the world and navigate them safely - even just to get a cup of coffee.”</p> <p>And while the response to her post was overwhelmingly positive, the cruel few determined to make things worse for everyone just had to say their piece, and to prompt Emma’s fight back. </p> <p>They were nowhere to be seen in her latest post - possibly hiding with their tails tucked between their legs - and instead, she was once more met with an outpouring of support. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cpf2KBOOVc7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cpf2KBOOVc7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“HELL YES!” wrote Bruce’s eldest daughter, Rumer. “I am so so proud of you!”</p> <p>“As a Registered Nurse, I appreciate you being a patient advocate for your husband,” said another, before requesting Emma do the exact opposite of what the internet trolls craved, “please don’t stop, we need people like you in the medical community!!! Hang in there. You are doing beautiful.”</p> <p>One now-supporter, who admitted that her previous perception of Emma had been negative and generated by the paparazzi, said, “Good for you … so sorry for what you and your family are going through. You truly are a woman of substance and power. I will be listening and learning.”</p> <p>“You go girl! There is an army of people behind you,” urged another. </p> <p>“Having to deal with your husband’s illness is bad enough but also having to deal with rude and intrusive press is unimaginable,” one said. “Keep shouting, keep protecting. He deserves the best life imaginable!!”</p> <p>“Emma, how sad is it when people don't get it,” another wrote, “this is such a problem in our society today...the lack of empathy. Why would people choose to believe that this is something you are doing for attention? Your family is going through hell - their foundation rocked, but it's a ploy??? Advocating for and protecting your family is what mama bears do!!!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"I am angry on this International Women's Day": Trolled ABC host breaks silence

<p>ABC presenter Lisa Millar has spoken up over the incident that saw online trolls come for her over what she was wearing on air, and the “obnoxious commentary” that followed. </p> <p>Millar made her statement on <em>ABC News Breakfast</em>, one day after the ABC had requested “a more responsible approach to reporting on these issues”.</p> <p>In that same release Director Justin Stevens stated ”Media outlets that amplify this disgusting anonymous trolling need to take a good hard look at themselves and their standards.” </p> <p>Millar herself explained to viewers that she wanted to take the time to discuss “the last 48 hours”, and that she wouldn’t dwell on those who had managed to remain oblivious to the situation. </p> <p>"<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/abc-presenter-bullied-for-distasteful-wardrobe-choice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The fact that what I wore on Monday attracted obnoxious commentary on Twitter </a>- foul disgusting personal abuse that I couldn't and wouldn't repeat - was upsetting,” she said. </p> <p>"That it then ended up online on some news sites where the photos and the abuse were republished made me angry.”</p> <p>Millar went on to thank everyone for the support - noting that some had even been funny, with suggestions that they’d still watch even if everyone turned up wearing pyjamas.</p> <p>"I am angry though,” she continued, “on this International Women's Day, on behalf of myself, but also on behalf of other women, young women, who see those stories and see someone like me being violently abused day after day for whatever reason bullies can find.</p> <p>"I worry it might make you think that no progress has been made and that it's not worth it to be a woman in the public arena.</p> <p>"On this International Women's Day, I want to tell you [that] the response over that rubbish yesterday gives me hope. We are making progress, and we will make more, and there are so many awesome women who we can all look up to. Let's celebrate them today.”</p> <p>Millar then called for everyone reading to make a “conscious decision” to be part of the solution and not the problem, and to contribute towards making communities across Australia better - and kinder - for everyone. </p> <p>Millar’s co-host, Michael Rowland, had earlier taken to Twitter condemning the internet bullies, writing “Enough of the abusive comments about Lisa Millar, and other female presenters. And enough of amplifying the bullying by republishing offensive comments. Do better.” </p> <p>And on <em>ABC News Breakfast </em>with Millar, Rowland had more to say in support of his fellow host. </p> <p>“We’ve all seen behind-the-scenes here [that] you’ve gone through a lot,” he told her, “you’ve gone through the absolute wringer in these last couple of days, and for you to be sitting here this morning is a testament to your courage and strength.”</p> <p><em>Images: ABC</em></p>

New Today show host Sarah Abo opens up about trolling

<p><em>Today</em> show host Sarah Abo has opened up about the shocking amount of trolling and scrutiny she’s received on social media since replacing Ally Langdon.</p> <p>Speaking to the<em> Something To Talk</em> <em>About</em> podcast on Friday, Abo shared that she gets trolled over the most banal things, but she doesn’t take it to heart.</p> <p>“If it's something as trivial as what you're wearing or the way your hair is, who the hell cares? As long as I'm doing a good job that's all that matters,”she said.</p> <p>“Sure, have a go at my hair or what I’m wearing. I couldn’t care less,” she added.</p> <p>She also shared that “women in this industry are so much more heavily scrutinised than our male counterparts,” but for her, that experience has lessened a bit.</p> <p>The <em>Today</em> show host also admitted that shifting from late nights on<em> 60 Minutes</em> to early morning starts has been a shock to the system.</p> <p>“'I've had to completely recalibrate. I'm waking up at a time that would not be too far off when I was going to sleep previously, but I'm adjusting,' she said.</p> <p>When asked how she navigates the pressure of working on live TV and replacing Ally Langdon, she replied that the most important thing is: “being confident in the team around you and having a solid framework”</p> <p>“As long as I’m doing a good job and those around me are doing a good job and we’re delivering to the public everyday the best product that we can, that’s all that matters”.</p> <p>Abo officially joined the breakfast show alongside Karl Stefanovic on Monday, January 16.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Hugh Grant trolls outgoing PM Boris Johnson

<p dir="ltr">Actor Hugh Grant has engaged in some hilarious antics against outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson amid calls for the leader to quit.</p> <p dir="ltr">After several days defying calls for his resignation from Conservative MPs and mass resignations from his cabinet, Mr Johnson finally announced he would resign late on Thursday (Australian time).</p> <p dir="ltr">But, the announcement came with the sounds of <em>Yakety Sax</em> playing in the background - per a request from Grant.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5fa9ef9d-7fff-14c1-c7fc-4f22cc7c8cf6">The<em> Love Actually</em> star requested activists standing outside Westminster to play the famed <em>Benny Hill Show</em> theme song, which activist and anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray honoured at full volume.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Morning <a href="https://twitter.com/snb19692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@snb19692</a> Glad you have your speakers back. Do you by any chance have the Benny Hill music to hand?</p> <p>— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/HackedOffHugh/status/1544953409845043201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Morning [Mr Bray],” Grant tweeted on Thursday afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Glad you have your speakers back. Do you by any chance have the <em>Benny Hill</em> music to hand?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Bray was all too happy to play the tune, sharing footage of protestors dancing to the wacky tune on the College Green.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-02960a36-7fff-83c2-cb7d-de92ee69ab9d">“Just for [Hugh Grant] as requested here today at the media circus… College Green. The<em> Benny Hill </em>theme tune,” Mr Bray tweeted.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just for <a href="https://twitter.com/HackedOffHugh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HackedOffHugh</a> as requested here today at the media circus… College Green. The Benny Hill theme tune. <a href="https://t.co/Tazb57gT8e">pic.twitter.com/Tazb57gT8e</a></p> <p>— Steve Bray Activist Against Brexit +Corrupt Tories (@snb19692) <a href="https://twitter.com/snb19692/status/1544998211630383104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The music could even be heard in the background of news broadcasts which aired interviews with MPs, including supporters of Mr Johnson, also held in Parliament Square.</p> <p dir="ltr">Footage of the interviews quickly spread on social media, with many praising Grant and the activists.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Brilliant! Whoever is responsible for the choice of music & the impeccable timing should be given an MBE!!!” one person commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You absolute beauties. He’s only gone and done it!” a second fan wrote.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b3645abc-7fff-ab41-bca7-43924f381034"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Don’t know about you, but I’m pretty damn excited with Boris Johnson’s replacement as the new PM,” another said, sharing a photo of Grant in his role as the British PM in <em>Love Actually</em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hugh Grant tweeted a request at activists protesting outside Westminster to play the Benny Hill theme on their loudspeakers; when they did it became the soundtrack for street interviews with leading Tories trying explain the situation to the British people <a href="https://t.co/V1LxUoxRUE">pic.twitter.com/V1LxUoxRUE</a></p> <p>— Aaron Fritschner (@Fritschner) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fritschner/status/1545077380527673344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Your request was Grant’ed Hugh!” another joked. “Bravo Steve! Bravo!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although Mr Johnson has announced his resignation, he wants to stay until his replacement is chosen.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today I have appointed a cabinet to serve, as I will, until a new leader is in place,” he said in his speech outside Downing Street.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know that there will be many people who are relieved and perhaps quite a few who will also be disappointed. And I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them’s the breaks.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e0904715-7fff-c9a1-0c72-f82ec641e619"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

"Shaggy" Kochie trolled by anti-vaxxers after positive Covid test

<p><em>Sunrise</em> host David Koch has been targeted by anti-vax trolls online after returning a positive Covid-19 test.</p> <p>Kochie said he woke up on Sunday morning feeling "shaggy", just one day after returning a negative Covid test in order to host the star-studded <em>Australia Unites</em> telethon on Saturday.</p> <p>Since contracting the virus, Kochie - who is triple vaccinated - has been isolating at home. </p> <p>Despite doing all the right things in line with health advice, Kochie said he has been targeted online by anti-vaxxers since testing positive. </p> <p>“It has not stopped my anti vaxx friends, trolls on social media getting stuck into me going, ‘so much for vaccines, Kochie has got it’,” he told <em>Sydney Confidential</em>.</p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> presenter has been targeted multiple times online for discussing vaccines on the air, but he says they won't get him down while he recovers. </p> <p>“I try and only deal in facts and data and there is some great data coming out now, particularly out of the UK and the US that just puts it beyond any doubt that vaccination is critical in all of this,” he said.</p> <p>“I say to people, if our grandparents took your view now, we would still have polio or measles that could still be affecting our kids."</p> <p>“You take the best advice because you are not just helping you and your kids, you are actually helping generations.”</p> <p>Kochie shared a health update earlier in the week, along with everything he was using to keep his symptoms under control. </p> <p>“Benefits of being sick and married to a nurse,” Kochie wrote on Instagram, alongside the image which showed his remedies of “lemon ginger tea, olive extract, Armaforce, ultra potent Vitamin C”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise / Instagram </em></p>

“I cried”: Nat Barr speaks out on social media trolling

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunrise</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> co-host Natalie Barr has spoken candidly about the personal impact social media trolling has had on her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Barr was among the guests at the 9th Annual Australian Women’s Weekly Women of the Future Awards held at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday. She shared how “dangerous” social media attacks over a particular segment of the breakfast show had affected her.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW7g3isFlYL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW7g3isFlYL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Natalie Barr (@natalie_barr7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have had to turn off notifications on Twitter,” she </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/sunrise-cohost-natalie-barr-in-tears-over-social-media-trolling/news-story/b443b0a06c50b280f033b8bfef73b2c7" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> during a panel discussion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I cried, I went into a corner, then I thought, ‘I’m strong but what about the poor 15-year-old girl in the school yard? How does she cope with this?’.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Barr replaced Samantha Armytage as a </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunrise</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> host in March, and now works alongside broadcaster David “Kochie” Koch.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In June, Armytage penned an eyebrow-raising tweet claiming Barr had wanted her job for a long time before she made her shock departure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Look.. I’m out. Nat’s wanted the job, forever.. & she’s finally got it,” Armytage tweeted. “She just needs to get on & enjoy it - & forget about me.. (even though I’m unforgettable 😜😂😂😂.)”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Look.. I’m out.<br />Nat’s wanted the job, forever.. & she’s finally got it.<br />She just needs to get on & enjoy it - & forget about me..(even though I’m unforgettable 😜😂😂😂.) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/peaceout?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#peaceout</a> <a href="https://t.co/HXU60pBvps">https://t.co/HXU60pBvps</a></p> — Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage) <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_armytage/status/1406762169543266305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The tweet came </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/forget-about-me-samantha-armytage-tells-natalie-barr-to-move-on" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">shortly after</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Barr spoke to </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Australian Women’s Weekly</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about her relationship with Armytage, saying they didn’t have much in common outside of work, and sparking rumours of a feud between them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We got along very well in the office, for sure,” Barr said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But the truth is we didn’t really see each other outside the office. We had vastly different lives, I guess. We were in different places. She was hanging with her friends, and I was spending time with my family. So, yes, we were in different places.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rumours had previously gained traction after Koch revealed that he and Barr were not invited to Armytage’s farewell lunch.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She later unfollowed her </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Sunrise</em> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">colleagues on Instagram.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @natalie_barr7 (Instagram)</span></em></p>

"Utter disgrace": Online trolls target Cleo Smith's parents

<p><span>As the search for Cleo Smith exceeds its second week</span>, her distraught parents have been the target of online trolls. </p> <p>According to Western Australia Police, Cleo's mum Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gliddon have been "nothing but helpful" during the investigation, and have been ruled out as suspects. </p> <p>Despite a public statement from police saying they believe Cleo's parents are innocent, vile accusations have been sent to the family online. </p> <p>The majority of comments left on Ellie's page have been filled with hope and support for Cleo to be found. </p> <p>However, Jake's Facebook has become a stomping ground for sick trolls to voice their accusations against the couple. </p> <p>Other users have been reporting the comments, but many of them have stayed on the page and are now days old. </p> <p>Commenters have accused them of withholding information from the police, while others have said the couple should be subject to a polygraph test to "clear your names".</p> <p>Shockingly, one person suggested the couple did not look sad enough during media appearances, which is the same criticism Lindy Chamberlain received during the media search for Azaria.</p> <p>Other comments including the sickening suggestion that Ellie and Jake may have intentionally harmed Cleo. </p> <p><span>A family friend, who did not wish to be named, branded the comments an “utter disgrace”.</span></p> <p><span>“Most of the Facebook comments are being made by parents themselves and I think that’s disgusting,” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/cleo-smith/cleo-smith-search-parents-ellie-smith-and-jake-gliddon-target-of-sickening-online-trolls-ng-b882056362z" target="_blank">Perth Now</a>. </span></p> <p>“Just imagine if it happened to them and they had to read all these horrible comments during undoubtedly the hardest time of their lives."</p> <p>“The police have cleared Jake and Ellie from being suspects. I have known them for years and I can tell you they are the best people I know and my heart aches for them.”</p> <p>He went on to say the trolls who are just "sitting behind their keyboards" should stop the negative and hurtful comments, adding there was "no right way to act when your child is stolen from you".</p> <p><em>Image credit: 7News</em><span></span></p>

Family & Pets

Trolls really are just angry souls

<p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Words don’t come easy. But anger does. Research suggests it’s not the anonymity of the internet that excites hostility. Instead, being obnoxious is usually already well and truly entrenched in an online troll.</span></p> <div class="copy"> <p>A <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/abs/psychology-of-online-political-hostility-a-comprehensive-crossnational-test-of-the-mismatch-hypothesis/C721597EEB77CC8F494710ED631916E4" target="_blank">study</a> published last weekend by the journal <em>American Political Science Review</em> aimed to pin down differences in online and offline behaviour, based on surveys of more than 8000 US and Danish subjects.</p> <p>Common excuses for social-media and chat-room angst include a loss of empathy through the lack of body-language feedback, the minimal context conveyed by raw text, and reduced inhibitions through responding from a safe, familiar place.</p> <p>“There are many psychological reasons why we might have a harder time controlling our temper online,” says lead author Alexander Bor. “In the end, personality differences turn out to be a much stronger driver of online hostility.”</p> <p>Put simply, the study’s statistics suggest online trolls are already trolls long before they get behind a keyboard. They turn out to be just as hostile in face-to-face debates.</p> <p>And that has implications for troll slayers.</p> <p>“We cannot remove online hate through education because it is not born out of ignorance,” says the Danish postdoc student. “Hostile people know that their words hurt, and that is why they use them.”</p> <p>But Macquarie University Department of Indigenous Studies professor Bronwyn Carlson says online trolls aren’t that two dimensional, though personality does play a key role.</p> <p>“It is not as simple as some people are more aggressive or assertive and others are not,” she says.</p> <p>For example, racists can express their views through aggressive online trolling, but they also can “remain friendly while they continue making racist comments or ‘help’ us see the ‘great things’ Western civilisation has done for us”.</p> <p>“It is not always the case that they remain anonymous, either – some, and indeed many, are happy to have it known who they are, and they stand by their views.”</p> <p>Flinders University digital technology security and governance researcher Dr Zac Rogers says the study reinforces the danger posed by amplified trollish voices, and how such “useful idiots” can be exploited.</p> <p>“Anger drives responses,” he says. “That means more clicks. That means more revenue. Social media and search algorithms have long since discovered this and actively promote it.”</p> <p>Feeding trolls is big business. And angry trolls make useful political and marketing tools.</p> <p>Anger draws the attention of profit-seeking algorithms, Dr Rogers says. So the more intense a gathering of trolls, the further their voice – and message – gets propelled.</p> <p>“But we need to be wary of any suggestions social media is only holding a mirror up to society,” he says. “The internet serves as an automated filter and funnel. It is an amplification mechanism that is highly distorting of the thing it reflects.”</p> <p>Bor agrees. “To end online hate, we need to decrease the visibility and reach of those who are hateful. The alternative is that many people will be deterred from participating in online discussions. This is a democratic problem, given that social media play a larger and larger role in political processes.”</p>  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=163543&title=Trolls+really+are+just+angry+souls" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> </div> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/trolls-really-are-just-angry-souls/" target="_blank">This article</a> was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/jamie-seidel" target="_blank">Jamie Seidel</a>. Jamie Seidel is a freelance journalist based in Adelaide.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Mind

Lisa Wilkinson’s PERFECT response to anti-vax troll

<p>Lisa Wilkinson has delivered a brilliant response to an anti-vaxxer who decided to leave a comment on <em>The Project</em> host’s Instagram page.</p> <p>The 61-year-old TV personality shared with fans on Tuesday that she had received the AstraZeneca vaccine and “literally didn’t feel a thing”.</p> <p>“So glad to finally have the first one out of the way,” Lisa wrote.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842007/lisa-wilkinson.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9ebb3ed04f11489093a25755f622de67" /></p> <p>While many people supported Lisa for her post, one woman couldn’t hold back a sarcastic retort, saying: “I thought you were a smart woman,” alongside a series of laughing faces.</p> <p>Lisa didn’t take the comment lightly and thanked the woman for her concern, but assured her she is indeed a smart woman.</p> <p>“Trolling another woman for making well-researched, informed choices about the health of her own body, and doing my bit to help reduce the risk of this pandemic spreading any more easily or lethally than it already is in the community is MY choice,” Lisa went on to say.</p> <p>“Whatever choice you want to make is your business.”</p> <p>Lisa further took a moment to inform the woman that “if you choose to remain unvaccinated and you get the Delta variant, I wish you and all your loved ones, and particularly and of your elderly loved ones - or any poor person you happen to pass in the street- good luck.”</p> <p>Lisa also revealed in her latest upload that her husband, Peter FitzSimons, 59, had gotten his second shot of the vaccine alongside his wife.</p> <p>“I have to admit, I was a tiny bit nervous, so I bought one of those tubs of Magnum ice-cream (that well known medical cure-all) this afternoon just in case I was feeling bad tonight. I feel great. I ate the ice-cream anyway…,” Lisa said.</p> <p>“Meantime, here’s to life getting back to normal (and Magnum ice-cream!!).”</p> <p>Lisa isn’t the only co-host from <em>The Project</em> to cop worrying comments online from anti-vaxxers.</p> <p>Earlier this month, Carrie Bickmore took to Instagram to share that she had gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPzOiPhn7n9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPzOiPhn7n9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Carrie Bickmore (@bickmorecarrie)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, the TV star quickly turned her comment section off after she received considerable backlash from anti-vaxxers who accused her of “passive coercion” and “virtue signalling.”</p>

News

Sarah Harris blasts body-shaming troll

<p>Studio 10 host Sarah Harris put a Twitter troll on blast and hit back at John Smith on Wednesday after he accused her of using her body to "bolster ratings".</p> <p>“My estimation of Australia took rather a nosedive, seeing how you use your body, to bolster flagging ratings?” he offensively wrote.</p> <p>“Who are you trying to control?” he then asked.</p> <p>She clapped back with a photo of Elizabeth Moss from the television series The Handmaid's Tale.</p> <p>"Thanks so much for your feedback on my TV wardrobe John," she began her tweet.</p> <p>"You're right, skin is the devil's work (especially WOMEN'S KNEES. Gross) and ladies must be covered from neck to ankles at all times. Just checking today's look meets your exacting standards?"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Thanks so much for your feedback on my TV wardrobe John. You're right, skin is the devil's work (especially WOMEN'S KNEES. Gross) and ladies must be covered from neck to ankles at all times. Just checking today's look meets your exacting standards? <a href="https://t.co/FuUhWQWavS">https://t.co/FuUhWQWavS</a> <a href="https://t.co/jzNOLHdsSC">pic.twitter.com/jzNOLHdsSC</a></p> — Sarah Harris 🌮 (@SarahHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahHarris/status/1404911878023700480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>One fan on Twitter sided with Harris.</p> <p>“Eight followers - it looks like John might be struggling to get traction on #Tinder,” they joked.</p>

Body

Greta Thunberg’s timely trolling of Trump ignites the internet

<p>If you cast your mind back to December 2019, you might remember Donald Trump tweeting about Greta Thunberg’s “anger problem”.</p> <p>Well now, the teen climate activist has waited 11 months to get back at the president.</p> <p>After Trump falsely claimed victory before the results of the presidential election were released, he is now threatening legal action claiming there has been fraudulent activity occurring.</p> <p>Early Friday morning, Thunberg, 17, retweeted the former businessman's demand to "STOP THE COUNT", offering him some very familiar words of advice.</p> <p>"So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend!" the Nobel Peace Prize nominee wrote.</p> <p>"Chill Donald, Chill!"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill! <a href="https://t.co/4RNVBqRYBA">https://t.co/4RNVBqRYBA</a></p> — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1324439705522524162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Last year, Trump tweeted those exact words when Greta was named TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2019.</p> <p>At the time, he was criticised for mocking a 16-year-old girl and her accomplishments.</p> <p>But the best response came from Greta herself, who changed her Twitter bio to let the world know she had taken on Trump’s advice.</p> <p>"A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her updated profile read.</p> <p>When the election polls opened earlier this week, Thunberg urged her American followers to use their vote wisely.</p> <p>"Today, many of you will have the opportunity to make a choice. Your vote will affect billions of people around the world," she wrote on her social media accounts.</p> <p>"Your vote will affect countless of generations to come. Use it. Use it well. Every election is a climate election."</p>

News

“Your husband must hate you”: Doctor trolled for being too attractive to do her job

<p class="p1">Doctor Medina Culver is intelligent, attractive and is particularly annoyed at receiving hate comments for being a “pretty woman and badass doctor”.</p> <p class="p1">The physician who is based in Las Vegas posts her medical journey on her Instagram regularly in the hopes that it will help promote the profession to women.</p> <p class="p1">But her efforts are not always met with kindness, with people often telling her she’s “too attractive” to possibly be smart.</p> <p class="p1">Culver addressed the hateful words in an Instagram video saying that ever since she began sharing statements about “women empowerment” she’s received messages telling her that she is a “waste of time” and she should be her “husband’s property”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGJ_BBDhKZk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGJ_BBDhKZk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Don’t spend all your time wondering what you are, or who you like, or whether it’s right for you or wrong for you. Just be yourself and be happy 👩🏼‍⚕️🩺</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/drculver/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Medina Culver, DO</a> (@drculver) on Oct 10, 2020 at 1:17am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p class="p1">Some have gone as far as telling her that her husband “must hate her”.</p> <p class="p1">"You don't love your husband, you're arrogant, you're selfish" one of the criticisms read.</p> <p class="p1">In response, Culver simply quipped, "women are here to stay and lead - we are partners, leaders and we are gorgeous and smart."</p> <p class="p1">"Women are damn strong despite all the negative comments."</p> <p class="p1">Culver also regularly shares her day-to-day life on her page, whether that’s lounging by the pool or engaging in hobbies outside of profession.</p> <p class="p1">But even the appearance of her “normal life” has been met with criticism, with people regularly telling her that she’s “too pretty to be a real doctor”.</p> <p class="p1">"Well thank you... pretty ambitious," she responds.</p> <p class="p1">"Pretty hard-working and pretty determined to achieve my dreams."</p> <p class="p1">"Pretty women can be more than pretty faces....we can also be badass doctors."</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVSqEwBZHq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVSqEwBZHq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Strong women never give up. We might need a coffee, a cry, or even a day in bed but we always come back stronger 💪🏼</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/drculver/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Medina Culver, DO</a> (@drculver) on Oct 14, 2020 at 10:40am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p class="p1">The post attracted comments from other female professionals in the medical field, with one user revealing "I've been a therapist for 10 years and I get that and you're ‘so young’ all the time."</p> <p class="p1">"I get the ‘you're too young’ or straight up ‘you don't look like a doctor’,” shared another.</p> <p class="p1">Culver's statements were widely applauded by her 26,000 Instagram followers, with users writing, "Here's to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."</p> <p class="p1">"No truer words! ‘Cheer each other on’ Love it," wrote one user.</p> <p class="p1">"Just laugh at that crap, it's hateful and absurd. I guarantee you are fantastically inspiring to most people who follow you or come across your posts," said another.</p>

Beauty & Style

“Ugly and repulsive”: Acid attack survivor slams troll after undergoing 400th operation

<p>British TV personality and model Katie Piper has shared the vicious taunt she received from a troll on Instagram, calling out the cruel nature of the comments.</p> <p>The 37-year-old has been the subject of vicious trolling since suffering a horrific acid attack in 2008.</p> <p>The mum was assaulted by an ex-boyfriend while walking in the street in London, and has since undergone almost 400 surgeries to correct the damage that resulted from the attack.</p> <p>Sharing a screenshot of the message she received on her Instagram, the troll wrote: "You're the most repulsive and ugliest thing I've ever seen why even bother with make-up."</p> <p>In response, the TV presenter noted "more work needs to be done" to combat online harassment.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFeJjjvj3lt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFeJjjvj3lt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Morning 🌻🌼 Amongst all this uncertainty the sun and being able to take walks has provided some consistency and peace. What’s providing you with a little escapism and clarity at the moment? Big or small My dress is @ted_baker</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/katiepiper_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> K A T I E P I P E R</a> (@katiepiper_) on Sep 23, 2020 at 12:43am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I've posted this message from my inbox to show you all the work and conversations around diversity and inclusion, the everyday reality for anyone who is in the minority category," she wrote.</p> <p>"The everyday existence is very different to the positivity campaigns. More work needs to be done."</p> <p>A week before, Piper shared a health update after having an operation on her right eye.</p> <p>The TV personality was left blind in her left eye following the March, 2008 attack.</p> <p>A representative for Piper told the Mail Online she was "being as brave as ever" in the lead up to the procedure and "remains positive about the future."</p> <p>"The operation was a skin graft to her upper eyelid using skin from her left arm. She is currently resting to minimise the threat of infection and to ensure a quick recovery. Katie thanks everyone for their care and warm wishes," they added.</p> <p>Piper sustained the injuries from her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch and accomplice Stefan Sylvestre.</p>

Body

"Most trolled person in the world": Meghan Markle and Prince Harry speak out

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken out about the intense abuse they have received, saying it is “almost unsurvivable” in a podcast to mark World Mental Health Day.</p> <p>The couple joined three Californian high school students on an episode of their podcast Teenager Therapy to speak on topics including mental health stigma, self-care and online abuse.</p> <p>Meghan said the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more online time for most people.</p> <p>“Yes, it’s a great way to connect, but it also ends up being a place where there’s a lot of disconnection, you know, I can speak personally to,” she told the hosts.</p> <p>“I’m told that in 2019 I was the most trolled person in the entire world, male or female. Now, eight months of that I wasn’t even visible, I was on maternity leave or with a baby.</p> <p>“But what was able to just be manufactured and churned out, it’s almost unsurvivable, that’s so big, you can’t think of what that feels like, because I don’t care if you’re 15 or 25, if people are saying things about you that aren’t true, what that does to your mental and emotional health is so damaging.”</p> <p>Prince Harry added that people feel safe hiding behind usernames on virtual spaces in order to say things they would not say in person.</p> <p>“I think many, many people are hurting, a lot, and are freaking out because of the way the world is and because of, sometimes, the echo chamber that has been created for them by the online platform that they’ve chosen to be on,” he said.</p> <p>“But also it comes down to control as well, you can control what you see, you can control what you do, so whether it’s notifications or whether it’s vibration ringtones, whatever it is, these things control you, rather than taking control.”</p> <p>The podcast was recorded in the US area of Santa Barbara where the Sussexes now live.</p> <p>Harry went on to emphasise the need of prioritising self-care and having important conversations about health.</p> <p>“The more we talk about it the more it becomes normal, and it is normal, and it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength,” he said.</p> <p>The pair also called out social media sites that use specific algorithms that don’t promote consuming online material in a healthy way.</p> <p>“I think it’s very easy to be sucked in and consumed by negativity, but we all have the choice to be able to cut that out of our lives,” Harry said.</p> <p>“Hate following has become a thing, you don’t need to do that.</p> <p>"Just as much as we worry about, be concerned, and take notice of what we put in our bellies as a diet, the same applies for our eyes and our mind, what we’re consuming is affecting us.”</p>

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MasterChef star Melissa Leong admits dealing with “appalling racism” from social media trolls

<p><span><em>MasterChef</em> judge Melissa Leong has opened up about receiving endless amounts of racist abuse since she debuted on the Network 10 program earlier this year</span><br /><br /><span>The 38-year-old, who is of Singapore-Chinese heritage, has candidly addressed the vile backlash in a brave interview with TV Week magazine by explaining: “When it happens to you every day of your life, you develop a way to cope.”</span><br /><br /><span>She went on to say she does her best to deal with the vitriol with intelligence and humour.</span><br /><br /><span>“The best thing is to greet it with intelligence, humour and maybe some empathy, because you can't sink to that level yourself,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>Leong did admit though that some days are harder than others to follow her own advice.</span><br /><br /><span>“There are days when I'm blindsided and feel this palpable jolt to the chest. But having tremendous friends like Andy and Jock helps, we have each other's backs,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>Asian Australians have made up one-third of the contestants on <em>MasterChef</em> this season, and Melissa says she couldn’t be prouder of the diversity on the program when speaking to The Herald Sun.</span><br /><br /><span>“Everybody deserves to be seen and to be heard. Regardless of whether that is your culture, your language, who you love, your ability, or the way you chose to live your life, everybody deserves to be seen and be heard,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>Contestants Brendan Pang, Khanh Ong, Reynold Poernomo and Poh Ling Yeow are all of Asian descent, as are Sarah Tiong, Jess Liemantara and Amina Elshafei, who is of Korean and Egyptian descent.</span><br /><br /><span><em>MasterChef</em>: Back to Win has also been praised for being the most diverse in the show's history.</span><br /><br /><span>Some of its contestants included a number of openly gay constants such as Brendan Pang, Reece Hignell, Courtney Roulston and Khanh Ong.</span><br /><br /><span>Melissa recently hinted she would be returning for the thirteenth season of <em>MasterChef</em>, after the 2019 season proved to be a major ratings victory.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’m open-minded to the possibility of doing <em>MasterChef</em> season 13,” she told Who magazine.</span></p>

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"Most trolled person in the world": Meghan Markle and Prince Harry speak out

MasterChef star Melissa Leong admits dealing with “appalling racism” from social media trolls

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