Rape Jokes Forced Olly Alexander to Avoid Social Media

Olly Alexander opened up to NME about the hateful comments he receives on social media, causing him to boycott some apps. The singer/actor said he actively avoids Twitter because of the homophobic hate sent his way.

"I get some people who are really gross and make rape jokes about me."

"It's f**ked up. That's why I can't read too much anymore because I don't need to be seeing that shit."

The Years & Years singer said mean comments got worse after he appeared on television. Now, Alexander stays away from all social media because he gets trolled. In addition to inapporiate gay rape comments, users actually direct slurs to his personal account:

"I don't understand why people '@' me on Twitter to say 'Olly Alexander can't sing' or 'Olly Alexander, you're ugly as f**k.'"

Despite the online bullying, Alexander has become a recognized LGBT and mental health advocate. In January, he spoke about his own struggle with mental health issues and the lack of adequate health services in the UK. Alexander understands he holds a privileged spot as a highly visible pop star, and aims to use his platform to change things:

"It's not because I think I have a responsibility as a pop star or whatever; it's because I think I have a responsibility as a human being."

"There was just this stage where I realised that people were listening to what I was saying and I could actually say something I believe in and, like... why wasn't I doing that?"

Read Olly Alexander's entire cover interview in NME, due out April 8.

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