Zara McDermott, known for her BBC documentaries and past reality TV appearances, is reportedly struggling with persistent online abuse from fans of her boyfriend, One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. The couple, who have been dating since March last year and went public in August, have faced intense scrutiny from Tomlinson's fanbase.
The abuse intensified after McDermott shared a photo from Milan, where Tomlinson was performing. Fans accused her of 'following' him around, with comments such as 'I'd be embarrassed if I were my boyfriend's pet' and 'Do you have a proper job or is your job using Louis for money?' A source told The Sun: 'Zara can’t win with the trolls. She’s either accused of following Louis around the world or is slated for not being a supportive enough girlfriend. It’s like she’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t.'
In response, McDermott has decided to keep a lower profile to lessen the attacks. Despite the online hostility, the source said that McDermott is 'completely smitten' with Tomlinson and the feeling is mutual, adding that the singer has been 'incredibly supportive'. Tomlinson has spoken about how his relationship has influenced his music, noting that his new album reflects a 'new sense of happiness, purpose, and fulfilment'.
The couple's relationship began after McDermott's split from Sam Thompson. Tomlinson, who joined One Direction at age 18, remains a target of protective fandom even after nearly two decades.
