Music stars have come out in support of a singer who asked for all clips of her Glastonbury performance to be removed after she saw a wave of online "personal abuse". Singer-songwrtier Billy Nomates had performed at the festival on Friday afternoon.
But after clips were shown on BBC Radio 6's social media channels, she was sent a number of abusive comments from online trolls. As a result the 33-year-old, who real name is Tor Maries, asked BBC to remove all footage, deleted all her social media accounts and said she wouldn't be performing again this year.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, before later deleting her entire profile, she said: "The level of personal abuse on @bbc6music socials for goin to work today is insane. I've asked for all footage to be removed.
"I know it's not for everyone what I do. I know lots of people dont [sic] rate me. But the level of personal abuse on the public page is too much. There will be no more shows after this summer. You wouldn't stay in a workplace that did this to you. Why should I."
Following on from her post, the performer was flooded with support from fellow musicians and fans.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted praise for the talented star, saying: "Solidarity from everyone at Left Field with Billy No Mates who was so badly abused online after her @glastonbury set was posted on @BBC6Music that she asked them to take the clip down. She played a set for us last year and was brilliant. You'll always have place here Tor."
Radio presenter Edith Bowman also penned: "I adore @_billy_nomates a huge talent and stands out because she's true to herself.. amazing Glasto set.. xx."
Another fan said: "Got the Billy Nomates set on now via iplayer and as usual, she’s smashed it. Sod all the social media trolls who can’t handle the fact a woman can get up on a stage on her own and do things how she wants to. Stick your misogyny back in your pants."
