Former Love Island star Sharon Gaffka has bravely revealed the torrent of cruel online abuse she endured after sharing her decision to have an abortion, describing how trolls told her she "deserved" the procedure and questioning her womanhood.
The reality TV personality, who appeared on the 2021 series of the hit ITV2 show, disclosed that the vicious comments began flooding in after she spoke publicly about terminating a pregnancy earlier this year.
'The Most Hurtful Comments I've Ever Received'
Gaffka described the trolling as some of the "most hurtful comments" she has ever encountered online. "I was told I deserved it, that I was less of a woman," she revealed, highlighting the particularly personal nature of the attacks during an already challenging time.
The 28-year-old civil servant turned influencer explained that she had chosen to speak about her experience to help destigmatise conversations around pregnancy loss and reproductive choices, only to face a backlash that left her reeling.
Calling for Social Media Reform
Gaffka is now using her platform to call for greater accountability from social media companies and improved mental health support for those facing online abuse. She emphasised that while public figures expect some criticism, the nature of these comments crossed into deeply personal territory.
"There's a difference between criticism and targeted abuse about personal medical decisions," she stated, noting that the experience has made her more determined to advocate for others facing similar situations.
Broader Conversation About Online Safety
The revelation comes amid growing concern about the mental health impact of online trolling on reality TV stars and public figures. Several former Love Island contestants have spoken out about the psychological toll of fame and social media scrutiny in recent years.
Gaffka's experience highlights the ongoing challenges platforms face in balancing free speech with protection from harassment, particularly around sensitive personal topics.
She concluded by urging greater empathy online, reminding followers that "behind every screen is a real person with real feelings" going through their own private struggles.
