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Petitions Committee heard evidence on online abuse from 'The Only Way is Essex' star

20 May 2020

This week, the Petitions Committee heard evidence from Bobby Norris, star of reality TV show 'The Only Way is Essex', as part of their new inquiry into online abuse.

 

At 11:00 on Thursday 21 May, the Petitions Committee spoke to the reality TV star about his petition on tackling online abuse, following the online homophobic abuse which he has suffered since first appearing 'The Only Way is Essex' in 2012. Last year, more than 133,000 people signed Bobby Norris' petition, Hold online trolls accountable for their online abuse via their IP address.

This evidence session was the Petitions Committee's first step in a new inquiry on tackling online abuse. The inquiry will consider issues raised in a number of petitions, and follow up on the Petitions Committee's previous inquiry into online abuse and the experiences of disabled people.

 

 

The Petitions Committee scheduled the session this Mental Health Awareness Week, after many people have raised concerns about coronavirus' effect on mental health, as people have been forced to spend more time online and on social media.

 

Further information

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