Love Island's Sophie Gradon revealed 'horrific' online abuse months before her death
She spoke to our news team in Leeds
Last updated 22nd Jun 2018
Love Island fans all of the country were left in shock yesterday when the sad news broke that series two star Sophie Gradon had been found dead at her home at the age of just 32. After her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong confirmed the news in a heartbreaking post on Facebook, tributes poured in for the reality star.
However, just months earlier, Sophie chatted to our news team in Leeds in an exclusive interview with her Love Island co-star Zara Holland, admitting the 'horrific' online abuse they received after leaving the popular dating show.
Speaking to our news team, Sophie said, “It was horrific. I think when you get so many comments on the scale we did coming out of thousands of followers. There are fans and positive comments but people would focus on the negatives. Sometimes I would look for it."
She then added, “There would be so many negative comments. They are commenting on the way you look, the way you talk. They would come up with an opinion of you on a TV show where they’ve watched you for 45 minutes."
At the end of the interview, Sophie then added, "The harsh reality is it can end up with that victim taking their own life as we've seen in the media. It has happened, can you imagine being responsible for that."
The news about Sophie's tragic death broke yesterday, with a Northumbria Police spokesperson saying, “At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner."
Sophie was a popular Islander when she appeared on the second series of Love Island back in 2016. She originally coupled up with Tom Powell on the show, before making Love Island history when she found feelings for Katie Salmon.
Sophie appeared on the show alongside the likes of Cara de la Hoyde, Nathan Massey, Olivia Buckland, Alex Bowen, Terry Walsh, Scott Thomas and Kady McDermott.
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