England and Arsenal star Chloe Kelly has spoken out about the threats she and her family receive on social media, as well as the alarming rise of deepfake images created using AI. The 28-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, is backing the Government's Enough campaign to tackle violence against women and girls.
Kelly described experiencing a spike in abuse after major tournaments, including threatening direct messages sent not only to her but also to her husband and family. She said: 'I think after a major tournament, that's probably a time where you're reflecting, you're like, wow, the spike in followers, but also the spike in abuse as well.'
The Lioness also expressed concern about deepfakes and fake social media profiles. She noted: 'A lot of accounts pretending to be yourself, and teammates as well, I think is scary. I think AI is incredible for so many things. But then there's also a negative side where people can pretend to be yourself and make fake pictures.'
Kelly urged people to call out abusive behaviour, saying: 'It might take a lot for you to do that, but taking that step means so much to us as women.' Newcastle defender Dan Burn, also supporting the campaign, reinforced that message, stating: 'I feel people are more comfortable now in calling people out.'
The Home Office said the awareness drive is vital to help people recognise and change their behaviour. Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips added: 'This government is on a mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. To succeed, we must drive change in every arena of our society, including sport.'
