Reality TV star in plea for end to online bullying

Reality TV star in plea for end to online bullying

2 December 2020

A REALITY television star from Downpatrick has called for an end to online bullying and harassment directed towards him.

Ronan Rice — who starred in a number of shows which aired on satellite and terrestrial television — has also written a book providing inspiration to other young people, especially those who might be going through a difficult time.

Bullied at school over his sexuality, Ronan has revealed that in addition to being the victim of homophobic abuse online, his home is also being targeted.

He has informed police about what has been happening and said he would hate for his young relatives to grow up in a world full of bullies. 

Ronan says he wants all young people to feel safe online and does not want what happened to him happening to others. He said while Downpatrick “made him”, he does not want his home town to also ruin him.

He said he always knew that he was different, was not going to fit in and wasn’t going to have a normal job.

“I knew I was meant to be something bigger; something with more purpose than sitting behind a counter,” Ronan continued.

“All my life I studied to become a successful actor. I always wanted to feel that energy when you become one. It was an amazing feeling to have but, sadly, I never got the choice to get into acting.”

Deciding to take the reality television road instead, Ronan admitted that he was blind to the things that would come with it, including messages and mail and gifts sent out for free.

“I love everything about being on TV, like going to do my groceries and someone asking for a photo. I really enjoyed that but, over the years, the tables turned,” he revealed.

“I don’t know why. I don’t know how. The people who followed me for years and who had my support just turned on me. I would wake up in the middle of the night to banging on my door as part of the abuse being directed towards me.”

Ronan said people were sticking things on his door and throwing food at the windows of his home, with people also sending him abusive text messages. He said in some instances, people were asking him why he was alive.

He said people were also making hashtags about him online and stirring up others against him.

He remarked: “People forget that I’m not just a character on television. In real life I am a human being who does everything the same as everyone else, but that has stopped now. I feel like a prisoner in my own home and can’t go out to socialise without getting some sort of abuse.”

Ronan said while he has been in touch with police about the abuse, he recognises they can only do so much. Officers have suggested that he installs CCTV.

He continued: “I have not got much help from anyone to be fair. Online bullying, harassment and trolling needs to stop. 

“There is going to come a time in my life when I will wake up one day and get the wrong message at the wrong time and will just want to give up.”

Ronan continued: “I am a son, a friend and a brother. Please think of me when you are attacking me; it’s hurtful. It’s sad and each day and it’s breaking my happiness,. I am going to be left with nothing in my heart. 

“I want to raise awareness that what is happening to me or anyone else subjected to online bullying and harassment is not okay.”

Ronan added: “I have young nephews and nieces and would hate for them to grow up in a world full of horrible bullies. I want young people to feel safe online. 

“I don’t want the same thing that’s happening to me happening to others. I want things to change.”