Tory MP slams Tom Daley Twitter abuse, noting it as an example of how bad cyber bullying can be
Twitter abuse received by Tom Daley after he revealed yesterday that he is in a relationship with a man, is proof of how bad cyber bullying can be, an MP has said.
Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Pudsey, noted some abusive responses to Tom Daley’s coming out, during which the Olympic diver revealed he is in a relationship with a man, during a debate around cyber bullying.
In a YouTube broadcast, the 19-year-old London 2012 bronze medallist said: “In spring this year my life changed massively when I met someone, and they make me feel so happy, so safe and everything just feels great. .. that someone is a guy”.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Andrew said: “There was one, I’m not even going to repeat some of the language as it is pretty horrific. One person is saying he is no longer a fan of Tom Daley because of the choice, as they call it, he has made.
“And one saying ‘I’m now so ashamed of my country.”
Mr Andrew continued: “The point that I am trying to make is that if we don’t stand up as individuals, if we don’t go forward, then how can we expect people who are being victimised in their schools and work-places to do so. We do need to change the attitude so that we can then change the culture.”
“We do need to change the attitude so that we can then change the culture.”
While a vast majority of messages about Tom Daley on social media were positive, including messages of support from celebrities and sports people, a small minority did use the opportunity to air homophobic views, and slurs.
