Brian Dowling Takes Stand Against Online Trolls in New Show

Brian Dowling, the former winner of Big Brother, has announced plans to confront the online trolls who have harassed him and his husband, Arthur Gourounlian, for years. This initiative will be part of a new documentary titled Toxic Threads, set to air on Virgin Media TV. Dowling seeks to shed light on the damaging effects of online bullying, not only on public figures but also on everyday individuals.

At the launch of Virgin Media’s new season, Dowling expressed his desire to confront these “online cowards” directly. “I’d love to go out and knock on their door and say, ‘Hey, you said this about me yesterday,’” he remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability. He noted that if he proceeds with this confrontation, he will require security support due to the potential risks involved.

The couple, who have faced significant harassment, particularly since sharing their family life on social media, have been vocal about the toll online abuse takes. Dowling reflected on the challenges they have faced, stating, “Myself and Arthur are everything people hate. My husband is a refugee and not from this country. We are both gay. We’ve had children by surrogacy. That’s a lot of stuff people don’t like.”

In the documentary, Dowling plans to feature discussions with fellow celebrities to highlight how trolling has impacted their lives. He believes that the issue extends beyond the realm of celebrity and affects many individuals. “It needs to be exposed, as you hear horrendous stories. People have attempted to take their own lives because of online bullying, and the trolling needs to stop,” he asserted.

The recent exposure of the owner of the controversial gossip forum Tattle Life following a defamation case has, according to Dowling, resulted in a decline in hateful comments online. This forum has faced criticism for its harsh commentary directed at influencers and public figures. Dowling expressed relief at the unmasking of the site’s owner, stating, “I think it’s made more people fearful about what they’re doing and saying online.”

Despite the positive steps, Dowling and Gourounlian have considered legal action against both the operators of Tattle Life and individuals who have posted harmful comments about them. Dowling explained, “It’s a conversation Arthur is taking advice on… There’s a lot of time and a lot of effort that has to go into that.” He acknowledged the complexities involved, noting the varying laws between the UK and Ireland regarding online harassment.

Reflecting on his rise to fame, Dowling admitted that he was initially naïve about public perception. “I thought I was the nation’s darling. It was only recently I found out some people hate me,” he said, illustrating the stark contrast between his public image and the reality of online hostility.

Dowling also addressed the risks associated with sharing their children’s lives on social media. “The messages of love and support we get outweigh the negative, but the trolls can be so upsetting,” he noted, highlighting the distress caused by comments about their daughters, Blake and Blu.

Alongside Dowling, his Six O’Clock Show co-host, Katja Mia, shared her own experiences with online trolls, particularly in relation to her background as a refugee. She revealed that her vocal stance on immigration has drawn numerous hateful comments, causing her to reconsider her public engagement on the topic.

Dowling and Mia often use humor to cope with the negativity, referring to their makeup sessions as “make-up therapy.” “We laugh about them and go on screen with such a happy uplifting show,” Dowling said, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.

The launch event for Virgin Media’s new season also featured various upcoming shows, including a new season of Baz Ashmawy’s comedy Faithless and the debut of The Assembly, where A-list guests will engage with a panel of neurodivergent reporters.

As Dowling prepares to tackle the issue of online trolling head-on, he hopes his documentary will foster a greater understanding of the devastating effects of online harassment and promote a culture of accountability and kindness in digital spaces.