The reality show contestant was found dead in her home on Wednesday
Former Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon discussed the impact of online abuse in her final interview, given to Radio Aire.
The star’s death was announced on Thursday morning, after former Miss Great Britain was found dead in her home on Wednesday evening.
Gradon said that online trolls “could lead to someone taking their life.”
“The harsh reality is, it can end up with that victim taking their own life. And as you’ve seen in the media, that has happened. Can you imagine being responsible for that?” she said.
“Yes there is positivity and there are fans and people who love you, but human nature, we like to focus on the negative, so I would go looking for it
“And comment after comment, they are commenting on the way you look, the way you talk. They would come up with an opinion of you on a TV show where they’ve watched you for 45 minutes. And you’ve probably only been on ten minutes and it’s cut down from 24 hours.
“It was very hard to deal with because you take it like you’re being judged for you as a person. And they don’t know you. And it can really get into your mind and really affect you.”
Sophie spoke alongside her fried and former Love Island co-star Zara Holland during the interview earlier this year.
Love Island narrator Iain Stirling paid tribute to his co-star.
The Scottish comedian tweeted: “This will forever remain on of my favourite Love Island moments. Dearest Sophie, I truly hope you are now at peace. Stay shapey x”.
This will forever remain on of my favourite Love Island moments. Dearest Sophie, I truly hope you are now at peace. Stay shapey xhttps://t.co/XOWizRyck7
— Iain Stirling – new show RELEVANT on sale now! (@IainDoesJokes) June 21, 2018
In a statement, Northumbria Police confirmed: “At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
