Rachel Riley ‘gets extra security’ on Countdown after getting ‘physical threats’

Rachel Riley has said she has been forced to get extra security on Countdown after she received online abuse.

The TV star said she had been targeted by Labour supporters on Twitter for her criticisms of the party and leader Jeremy Corbyn, in the ongoing row around anti-Semitism.

The maths expert, who is Jewish, has spoken out about being trolled online but the issue has worsened in recent weeks – even resulting in physical threats,

She told the Times newspaper: "The more I speak, the more abuse I get, and the more abuse I get, the more I speak.

"It’s got to the point where I can’t look at my Twitter feed any more … it’s just a constant stream."

She added: "We are getting more security for Countdown."

Rachel, who has appeared on the Channel 4 daytime programme since 2009, said she believes she is a "target" for speaking up against anti-Semitism, and that she does not "take it lightly"

She said: "With the hashtag Get The Tories Out or the red rose or hashtag JC4PM, they say to me ‘You’re only calling out the left’.

"Well, I’ve been attacked by people on the left and the best way to not have me talk about anti-Semitism on the left is not to be anti-Semitic."

Riley has previously stated that she has no political allegiance, and is not a Conservative, although she claims she has been labelled a Tory by supporters of Mr Corbyn.

However, she told the newspaper that she would not vote for Labour now, as she believes the party is "actively encouraging the abuse of people who are standing up to this".

Earlier this week, Riley recalled the "hideous" feeling of receiving hate-filled abuse for speaking out about anti-Semitism at the Holocaust Memorial Day reception at the House of Commons.

Mr Corbyn has strongly denied allegations of anti-Semitism during the controversy that has ripped through his party.

Read More

Showbiz and TV editor’s picks

• 

• 

• 

• 

Source: Read Full Article