GB News presenter Ben Leo has revealed that he and his family received death threats, with police reportedly unable to take further action. In a video shared on X on Friday, Leo explained that disturbing threats were made on social media over the summer of 2025.
“By the way, I’m used to death threats towards me. That’s fine, I can handle it, but they were towards my family and my children,” he said. Leo said he initially reported the matter to police in Sussex, but the case was referred to the Metropolitan Police because the person using the social media account was based in London.
Year-long wait for investigation
“It took a year for the Met to liaise with social media companies, ironically under the Online Safety Act, to find out where this threat came from,” Leo said. “Long story short, it was 12 months of waiting. We had close protection security officers during that time. Rianne and the kids had a close protection officer walking them to school, going to the shops with them.”
“I had somebody with me 24 hours a day as well - all courtesy of GB News,” he continued, thanking the organisation for its support.
Police say they cannot act
Leo said he was told by the Met last week that an arrest was imminent, with the offence described as the “highest category” because it cited children and a weapon, was done anonymously on social media, and involved a vulnerable group. However, the next week police said it was “bad news” because two people live at the address linked to the IP, and a third person had visited using the same IP, so it was one of those three people.
After revealing that police said they could not do anything more, Leo tweeted: “How about you go round and ask them - and you know, investigate?” He added: “Police are happy enough to make 12,000 arrests each year for social media posts, but when it comes to threatening to kill the children of someone who speaks up for the country, it’s apparently not a big issue despite the gravity of the offence.”
Trust in institutions
Leo said the problem is that people “start to lose trust in the institutions that are meant to protect them. The institutions we pay for. And when that trust erodes, it’s not good for society.” He concluded: “Ann Widdecombe was slaughtered only months ago, and I’m told on my own show by certain guests that words don’t kill people. Well, they do. And they have a huge impact on people’s lives. Thank you again to GB News for all their support. They have been top class. Shame I can’t say the same about the police.”
Following the update, Leo received messages of support from friends and fans. One X user said: “I’m so sorry you and your family have had to go through this. It’s horrific. Sending love to you and your family.” Fellow GB News presenter Candice Holdsworth replied: “I am so sorry, Ben. Completely unacceptable. We should not have to live like this.” A third wrote: “Ben, this is horrendous. Hope the family stays safe.”
