OUTLANDER star Sam Heughan has described the “constant bullying, harassment, stalking and false narrative” he has been subjected to after defending his Hawaii trip.
The Scottish Outlander actor, who is currently self isolating in Hawaii, revealed that the abuse had strongly impacted his “life, mental state” and defended his decision to stay there that he was “not a burden to the locals".
In the statement, he said: "My costars, friends, family, myself, in fact anyone I’m associated with, has been subjected to personal slurs, shaming, abuse, death threats, stalking, sharing of private information and vile, false narrative.”
“I’ve never spoken about it because I believe in humanity and have always hoped these bullies will just go away,” he continued.
Stay safe all.x pic.twitter.com/9WbwAnT6nz
— Sam Heughan (@SamHeughan) April 17, 2020
The 39-year-old claimed he and his family had been subjected to death threats and abuse by unnamed individuals and that he 'had to speak out' due to the toll it is taking on his mental health.
"Recently, these false claims vary from me manipulating fans, being a closet-homosexual, trying to mislead or exhort fans for money and disregarding Covid advice," he added.
"I've done non of the above. I'm a normal guy and nothing like the characters I play.
"I came here before the travel ban. Non of us knew how bad things would get but as the situation worsened, upon the advice of everyone I trust, I decided to remain in a safe environment.
"It was a good decision. I'm safe, isolated, putting no one at risk and am not a burden to the locals. Several telling me they are desperate to sell their produce (as hotels and restaurants are now closed). We have not been asked to leave.
"I'm nervous to take 3-5 flights back to the UK, around 20 hours on several planes, exposing myself to more danger, to be stuck in a city.
"This will only increase the risk to others and myself. Recently I was ill for three months and am being doubly careful."
He claimed that the bullies had “created a false narrative”, adding that others were “sending items or stalking my private accommodation” and attempting to hack his and his colleagues' private email and social media accounts.
He added: "I will not entertain it anymore and am blocking anyone that writes anything defamatory or abusive.
"Sending items or stalking my private accommodation, they have harassed my work colleagues and constantly tried to hack our email and personal accounts. I'm so hurt by this."
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