LONDON, England — A popular gossip website accused of enabling harassment and online stalking has drawn attention after its founder was identified as a 41-year-old vegan influencer. The site, Tattle Life, has been described by celebrities as a hub for “relentless trolling,” sparking widespread outrage among public figures who claim it facilitates harmful behavior.
Founded in 2017, Tattle Life positioned itself as a commentary platform focused on the social media accounts of public figures. Its anonymity enabled a culture of unchecked abuse until a recent defamation lawsuit in Northern Ireland led to the revelation of its operator, Sebastian Bond, also known as Bastian Durward. Celebrities, including model Katie Price, have vocally condemned the site, asserting that it exceeds the limits of acceptable discourse.
Price, who has faced a campaign of online abuse for years, expressed relief at the identification of Tattle Life’s founder. “People shouldn’t be able to hide behind a keyboard,” she said. The site reportedly generates significant revenue, estimated at £180,000 annually from Google Ads. Following inquiries from media outlets, Google confirmed that it has restricted advertisements on the platform.
The toll of Tattle Life’s content is severe for many influencers. Price, a prominent figure with threads detailing her personal life, shared her distress over the invasive tactics reportedly used on the website, including doxing — the publication of private information. “It’s absolutely horrendous, the stuff that’s posted about me,” she stated, referring to the impact on her family and mental health.
Other influencers have shared their experiences of trolling on the platform. Emily Clarkson, daughter of media personality Jeremy Clarkson, revealed how Tattle Life prematurely disclosed her pregnancy, while the negative comments about her appearance during her wedding triggered her to seek therapy. Carly Rowena, who faced accusations regarding her son’s health issues, highlighted the dangerous environment created by the site’s users.
Caroline Hirons, a well-known beauty expert, criticized the platform for blurring the lines between public interest and harassment. “This is not normal trolling,” she asserted, mentioning how private family moments have been exploited online. Similarly, Lydia Millen, with a following exceeding 1.6 million, lamented the anonymity that allows relentless online harassment, fearing for her family’s safety.
Amidst growing backlash, Tattle Life defended its approach, claiming that influencers should be open to scrutiny due to the nature of their public lives. However, many believe this rationale masks harmful behavior. Influencer Jen Graham suggested that registering real identities could deter abusive comments, arguing for accountability in online interactions.
Katie Price has long advocated for stricter regulations governing online abuse, pushing for verified identities for social media accounts. She has attempted legal actions against Tattle Life but has faced challenges locating those responsible due to their anonymity.
The recent identification of Tattle Life’s owner follows a lengthy legal battle involving Neil and Donna Sands, who reported sustained harassment and stalking through the site. They were awarded £300,000 in damages after a court found in their favor, and Neil Sands has vowed to pursue further action against individuals who have attacked them online.
The site’s financial model has been labeled as “monetizing cruelty” by advocates against online harassment. Google has taken steps to limit advertisements on Tattle Life, aligning with its policies against platforms that promote harmful content. The growing scrutiny of online safety has prompted regulators like Ofcom to examine compliance of platforms with new regulations.
As calls for accountability gain momentum, the implications for both digital platforms and their users remain significant. Many hope that highlighted abuses will lead to necessary changes, not only for Tattle Life but for the broader landscape of online interaction, in pursuit of a healthier social media environment.