Australian Weather Forecasters Targeted with Vicious Death Threats Following False Feud Claims
Two prominent Australian social media weather forecasters have become the targets of horrific online harassment, including death threats and the malicious sharing of personal information, after false rumours circulated about a supposed feud between them. The alarming situation has left both men fearing for their safety and that of their families.
Jeffrey Higgins Shares Terrifying Ordeal on Social Media
Jeffrey Higgins, founder of the popular Higgins Storm Chasing forecasting page, took to Facebook on Wednesday to reveal the extent of the threats he has been receiving. In an emotional post, Mr Higgins stated he was "feeling scared" and detailed multiple violent messages directed at him and his family.
"Multiple death threats, threats of violence and harm, including slicing my wife's throat open," Mr Higgins wrote. "Hate speech towards myself and staff on pages inciting others to conduct similar behaviour. Just the start of a long list - can't say it all right now."
He added that the situation was "much worse than what you might think" and that he was struggling to maintain composure while seeking the right way to speak out about the full truth. Mr Higgins confirmed he has reported these threats to the police, though he declined to comment further when contacted by media outlets.
David Taylor Experiences Similar Campaign of Harassment
Fellow social media forecaster David Taylor, who operates the Brisbane Weather page, has simultaneously faced what he describes as "disgusting and unacceptable" bullying and threats. Mr Taylor revealed that his business phone number and email were exploited, appearing in fake advertisements on classifieds website Craigslist.
This malicious act led to a stream of unsolicited and suggestive messages from strangers. In a particularly invasive incident, someone registered Mr Taylor for "Gay Porn Tube" without his knowledge using his email address.
"Brisbane Weather has been receiving death threats, and sadly, our business phone number and email have been exploited - used in ads and other malicious ways," Mr Taylor stated. "This is disgusting, and it's unacceptable. To the people doing this - stop. Grow up. It's not just a page; it's a family, and we're here to stay."
Mr Taylor told the Daily Mail that he and his family have been staying "low and safe" since the threats began at the end of January. He has reported the harassment to police on three separate occasions: January 30, February 11, and February 18.
False Feud Rumours Sparked the Harassment Campaign
It is understood that the ordeal for both weathermen originated from speculation that circulated earlier this year suggesting they were engaged in a bitter feud. This speculation was reportedly fueled by audio published by The Courier Mail in January, which the newspaper claimed captured Mr Taylor berating Mr Higgins.
However, Mr Taylor has strongly denied any such feud exists. "I don't have anything against Mr Higgins and have no contact with him currently," he told the Daily Mail this week. "It's the media and certain people who love pushing something that's not there and I see Mr Higgins is being threatened as well. I stand with him on this crap."
Text messages and emails seen by the Daily Mail reveal the disturbing nature of the threats. Strangers contacted Mr Taylor referencing fake Craigslist listings that promised users a "good time." Other messages contained violent rhetoric, asking if he had "ever seen it rain blood" and referring to him with derogatory terms.
Mr Taylor expressed solidarity with his fellow forecaster, noting that he had been made aware another weather page was facing similar abuse. "I don't care about any rivalry - no page deserves this," he wrote in his statement.
The situation highlights the severe consequences of online harassment and the dangerous impact false narratives can have on individuals' lives and safety. Both men continue to cooperate with police as they navigate this terrifying campaign of threats and intimidation.
