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Eni Aluko left the UK due to severe online abuse led by Joey Barton's sexist rants, fearing for her safety.
Former England striker Eni Aluko has taken drastic measures by leaving the United Kingdom due to the severe online abuse she faced, primarily instigated by Joey Barton's controversial social media posts.
Aluko, deeply affected by the derogatory remarks, expressed her distress and fears in a heartfelt 15-minute video on her Instagram account.
In recent months, Barton has unleashed a series of sexist rants targeting numerous female ex-players, pundits, and commentators involved in the analysis of men's football.
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His comments, which he claimed highlighted a 'new low' in broadcasting, drew widespread criticism, especially for an unsettling comparison he made to notorious serial killers Fred and Rose West.
Aluko, in her emotional Instagram revelation, described the tangible fear and anxiety the online attacks caused her.
"Now, I’m open and honest and I’m human and I’m more than happy to admit that I’ve been scared this week,” she shared.
The gravity of the situation led her to confine herself at home, not stepping out until the situation became unbearable, prompting her to seek safety outside the UK.
The former football star did not mince her words about the real-life implications of online harassment.
"I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me," Aluko stated, emphasizing the often-underestimated impact of online hate speech, racism, and sexism.
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She pointed out that such toxic online culture not only affects individual mental health but also fosters a broader culture of fear and intimidation in sports broadcasting and beyond.
ITV, the network involved, has not turned a blind eye to the situation. They have denounced Barton's targeting of Aluko and Ward as "vindictive remarks," particularly following the coverage of a high-profile FA Cup match.
Although Aluko refrained from directly naming Barton, she boldly accused him of sexism, racism, and misogyny, also citing his "violent history."
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Aluko's narrative extended beyond her personal ordeal, as she referenced the tragic case of Caroline Flack, a television presenter who died by suicide in 2020 after suffering from intense online abuse. T
Aluko expressed her fears candidly: "My fear, actually, is that the next time this happens, if we don’t really put a stop to this, is that that girl or that woman kills herself."
In a resolute tone, Aluko clarified that such behavior is not only morally reprehensible but also legally actionable.
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"Sexism, racism, misogyny is not an opinion. It’s not freedom of speech. It’s against the law," she affirmed.
Revealing that she has sought legal counsel, Aluko hinted at an impending legal response to these attacks.
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