We supposedly live in a world of free speech - unless you factor One Direction into the equation.
Where the boyband is concerned, take it as fact that we live in a totalitatian society where criticism of Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall or Zayn will NOT be tolerated and will be punished... by those who call themselves 'Directioners.'
A Australian radio DJ by the name of Ash London found that out the hard way by referring to Louis Tomlinson's new beard as 'ratty' while , while her co-hosts/guests made the grave error of suggesting that he's the "least popular one" and "the guy with the smaller face with the short brown hair."
The wrath of Directioners soon came down upon them (via Twitter) - so much so that London was forced to make her Twitter private for a while to deal with the abuse and is now 'taking a break' from social media.
Even Tomlinson himself showed some sympathy for her...
— ash london (@ash_london) December 12, 2017
Probs best to stay on private for a bit longer love ! 🖕
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) December 12, 2017
See below for an example of how mental things got:
- ratty facial hair
- smaller face
- not Harry Styles
- quite skinny
- least popular of One Direction@ash_london you guys are disgusting and shouldn't count on our support anymore. I cannot believe that you said such vile things on radio, unprofessional.— Morgane ◟̽◞̽ (@versaillestyIes) December 11, 2017
do NOT listen to Louis' interview with @ash_london, theyve made some unprofessional comments.
they said he's the least popular member of the band, not harry styles and that he has 'ratty' facial hair.
do not give this interview the support or attention it does not deserve.
— Eleanor and Louis 🎗 (@updatelounor) December 11, 2017
The way you introduced him was so disgusting and unprofessional. You're canceled honey
— ◟̽◞̽Avocado◟̽◞̽ (@tommobabyboy) December 11, 2017
Ya know i thought you were cool bc of how nice you treated Harry but after this,, you're canceled. You're just another ugly shítty writer/interviewer. You & your ugly people can choke. And while you're at it leave the rest of the boys alone hun, especially Harry.
— NicaðŸ'' 227 (@Harry_ThighKink) December 11, 2017
Hope you get fired. This is unacceptable and disgusting. Waiting for written apologies. And videos.
— Obviously LarryðŸ'šðŸ'™ (@heslwtinmyveins) December 11, 2017
do you even know how to properly interview? it's your fucking job, you're a bloody loser. so disgusting from you. GO GET BETTER
— Ronny LOVES LOUIS 🇷🇺 ◟̽◞̽ (@louisexcellent) December 11, 2017
We feel your pain, Ash. We've been the victims of hysterical fans in the past, too.
Hear the 'offending' comments below:
“ratty hair” “least popular” “quite skinny” “no harry styles”
an unprofessional interview, i’m so disgusted pic.twitter.com/PAkrqDGLJj
— annie misses harry (@kiwisangeel) December 11, 2017
— ash london (@ash_london) December 12, 2017