Zara McDermott has been subjected to a wave of online abuse from fans of Louis Tomlinson after photographs emerged showing her embracing Joey Essex. The images, taken after filming for the television show Cooking With The Stars on Saturday night, sparked accusations of cheating against McDermott, who has been dating Tomlinson since March 2025.
One grainy image appears to show the pair kissing, but it is understood to be a deepfake created using artificial intelligence. The image has been reported to the police. Despite its questionable authenticity, thousands of fans have shared it online to 'expose' McDermott, with many comments described as misogynistic.
Joey Essex, who is thought to be dating Lella Soper, has not faced similar vilification. Some fans have dredged up past incidents, including a 2018 video in which McDermott sang along to a racial slur, and a 2019 scandal when she cheated on her then-partner Sam Thompson. These references have been used to fuel the current backlash.
This is not the first time McDermott has been targeted by Tomlinson's fanbase. Bullying has plagued her throughout their relationship. Tomlinson previously spoke out against 'hurtful' theories circulating online from within his own fanbase, though he did not provide specific details.
Some fans have defended McDermott, with one writing: 'So you're a fan of Louis but you mock him over those rumours... now you're CELEBRATING a supposed infidelity from someone you claim to love and be a fan of?' Another said: 'What in the parasocial freak fest is going on with people bullying Zara McDermott?! Leave her tf alone!'
Critics have called on Tomlinson to take a firmer stance to protect his girlfriend from the abuse, suggesting that ignoring the issue has not helped and that a clear statement of support would be the appropriate course of action.
