Brian Dowling revealed he has been dealing with an ‘outrageous’ level of trolling since welcoming his first child with his husband recently.
The former Big Brother star and his Dancing with the Stars hubby Arthur Gourounlian welcomed a daughter, Blake, in September, with the help of Brian's sister Aoife, who acted as their surrogate.
Brian said nasty comments and trolling he has faced since have gone ‘too far’ - as he called out vile messages calling him ‘a child trafficker and perverted creep’.
Read more: Arthur Gourounlian on pact he made with hubby Brian Dowling when baby was born
Posting an image of him on the set of Virgin Media’s Ireland AM following a guest hosting gig last week, the reality star and presenter said: “Sadly in this day and age, and at the age of 44, I expect negative/nasty comments when doing the job I do.
“This may seem a bit odd to someone who is not doing the same job as me. I 100% choose to be in this industry & openly share my life here on Instagram.
“But lately, the level of trolling & nasty comments is ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS."
“I can handle comments saying I'm a shit tv host, saying I've ruined my face with botox, and comments regarding my fake accent. I can easily laugh all those off as we all know I have a FABULOUS Kildare accent.
“But recently, to be called a child trafficker, a perverted creep, womb rapist, accusing me of insest is a step too far.”
The 44-year-old went on to call out those behind the hate messages, and his disbelief that many sending them are parents themselves.
He said: “To the fools who are leaving these messages, do they not realise they are leaving a vile digital footprint of hate & homophobia.
“The majority of these people actually have children of their own, that's the scary part.
“Since becoming a dad, I must call out all forms of hate & encourage my daughter to be the best person she can be.”
The reality star legend, who rose to fame after winning the second series of reality series Big Brother, and went on to win Ultimate Big Brother in 2010, added that he feels thankful social media was only beginning when he hit the limelight in his 20s.
“It's no wonder on the new season of Winter Love Island that all contestants have been asked to disable all their social media while on the show.
“This is to prevent trolling & bullying. “
“To think, when I appeared on Big Brother back in 2001, there was no social media at all, and again when I did Ultimate Big Brother back in 2010, social media was just starting.
“I think this was a blessing for me. So let's leave it here with this pic of me in my gorgeous jumper and my severely over botoxed unrecognisable face.”
His fellow Virgin Media presenter Elaine Crowley was among the hundreds of fans and famous friends to reach out to him in support, as he opened up about his experience on social media.
She called out the comments as ‘disgusting’ and said: “The trolls are absolutely vicious lately… Hope you’re ok. I love every botoxed, coiffed, spray tanned, and fluffy jumper wearing inch of you, and so does your darling daughter and your wonderful family.
“I hope those nasty people realise that they can be found, and prosecuted for those kind of allegations. Disgusting.”
Skincare boss, Jennifer Rock added: “I'm truly sorry to read this, jesus christ Brian. Sending love as it's all you three deserve.”
A third wrote: “Blake is an incredibly lucky little girl to have you and Arthur as her dads. It is clear to see how much she is loved. Don’t mind the haters, you’re amazing.”
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