The mother of missing teenager Jay Slater has issued an emotional plea condemning the "disgusting" online trolls who have targeted her family during their nightmare ordeal.
Debbie Duncan revealed she's been subjected to horrific comments and abuse as videos discussing her son's disappearance have amassed a staggering 30 million views across social media platforms.
Family's Agony Amplified by Online Cruelty
In a raw and emotional statement, Ms Duncan described the pain of seeing strangers speculate about her son's case while dealing with vile messages from internet trolls. "Some of the comments and messages I've received have been absolutely disgusting," she revealed.
The distraught mother expressed her frustration at people making assumptions and spreading misinformation about Jay's disappearance, stating that only those closest to the situation understand the full facts.
Social Media Frenzy Surrounds Missing Teen
The case of 19-year-old Jay Slater from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has sparked unprecedented online attention since he vanished during a holiday in Tenerife. Countless videos have appeared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with creators analysing every detail of the mysterious disappearance.
While some online content has been supportive, the family has faced a deluge of negative attention, including:
- Baseless conspiracy theories about the disappearance
- Vicious personal attacks on family members
- False claims and misinformation spreading rapidly
- Insensitive comments mocking their distress
A Mother's Plea for Respect and Privacy
Ms Duncan made an impassioned appeal for compassion and common decency, urging social media users to consider the human impact of their words. "We're going through hell every day not knowing where Jay is," she said. "The last thing we need is people making it worse."
The family has asked for privacy and respect during the ongoing search operation, emphasizing that their sole focus remains on finding Jay and bringing him home safely.
As the investigation continues, authorities are monitoring the social media frenzy surrounding the case, which has highlighted the darker side of online true crime culture and its impact on real families in crisis.
