Rylan quits Twitter following homophobic abuse
Homophobic abuse on Twitter has lead to Rylan Clark-Neal quitting the social media platform.
Speaking on Loose Women, the former X-Factor contestant turned TV host explained that he was bombarded with homophobia from fans of the TV show The Chase.
The Chase fans allegedly feared that Rylan’s new show, Babushka, had pushed the quiz programme out of its usual time slot.
Rylan described the messages he received as “out of control”.
“I was getting tweets saying I was taking over The Chase,” he explained. “It was getting out of control. I felt like I’d gone back five years to when I was on X Factor, being unfairly judged. I don’t need the homophobia…”
Before deleting his Twitter profile, Rylan attempted to explain that Babushka was not filling the Chase slot, rather just taking the time when the show has its usual month long break.
However the abuse still persisted, sparking him to write: “Getting a bit ridiculous now. Just doing my job. Enjoy the show. Coming off here for a while”.
One user wrote on Twitter that they were “outraged” over Rylan “replacing” the show.
“Why tf has the chase been replaced by some stupid program hosted by Rylan????? #outrage”
Another added: “Who in their right mind thought replacing The Chase with a show hosted by Rylan was a good idea?????”
Meanwhile others rushed to the hosts defence and set the story straight.
“Rylan shouldn’t be pushed off Twitter because of some sad acts who can’t accept the chase is off air for 4 weeks a year… Give it chance”
“The fact people are attacking Rylan over The Chase having a break is ridiculous…. He doesn’t control scheduling plus every show needs one,” another added.
It’s not the first time the singer has encountered homophobia on Twitter. In 2013, he was told to “get cancer and die” and gayyed a “gay f*ggot” by trolls online.