Opening up about the 'truly awful' abuse his former co-host on 'The Xtra Factor' received from trolls, the 'Troublemaker' hitmaker stresses that people should be accountable for what they say online.
- March 3, 2020
AceShowbiz - Olly Murs has urged social media bosses to take a harsher stance on online trolls after his ex-girlfriend Caroline Flack took her own life last month (February).
The "Heart Skips a Beat" singer and Caroline worked together on U.K. TV show "The Xtra Factor", before they were made hosts of "The X Factor" in 2015, and maintained their friendship until the former "Love Island" host's untimely death at the age of 40.
Prior to her passing, which was ruled a suicide by hanging, after it was confirmed she would face trial for an alleged assault on her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, the star had faced intense trolling online over the incident, though Lewis stuck by his girlfriend and refused to press charges.
Speaking to Britain's The Sun newspaper, Olly opened up on the "truly awful" abuse his pal received from social media trolls, and called the criticism directed at him while working alongside the star the worst he's faced throughout his career.
"I've never minded constructive criticism from my peers but with social media you get commented on - how you're doing your job, how you look, how you speak, and things people wouldn't dare say to your face," he explained.
The "Troublemaker" star continued, "Eventually I stopped going on social media during the series, but something really does have to change online. Everyone should be verified and accountable on every platform. I'm accountable for what I say and others should be too."
"The Voice UK" coach believes people shouldn't be able to hide behind false names online, and that people would think twice about being abusive if it was attached to their true identity.
