Reality stars often deal with their own fair share of online hate. But in some cases, it gets taken way too far. TLC star Whitney Way Thore wants people to know that she’s only human. And sometimes the mean comments really get to her.
In a new interview, Whitney revealed she even struggled with suicidal ideation at times. See what she had to share just ahead of the My Big Fat Fabulous Life season premiere.
Whitney Way Thore Confesses She’s Faced Horrific Abuse Online
Onscreen, fans watched the Thores grapple with the loss of Babs, the family matriarch. Babs’ passing was difficult enough on its own. But according to Whitney, the online bullying only escalated afterward.
“Since she died, the amount of hate that I got has exceeded anything I’ve ever experienced in my career. I was almost suicidal,” the TLC star confessed to PEOPLE. But the comments from trolls made it so much worse.
“When people tell you that your mother hated you or something about my mom rolling over in her grave…even though I know it’s not true, that is the most horrific, horrible thing,” Whitney added before bursting into tears. “I’m not used to that. I’ll never be. It’s shocking to me that people are that awful.”
Over the last few years, the Thores have had many major adjustments. In addition to losing Babs, they also rediscovered Glenn’s daughter with another woman, Angie. Navigating these major changes hasn’t been so easy while dealing with online hate.
The TLC Star Reveals Some Trolls Even Went To Her Home
Internet trolls are one thing, but Whitney Way Thore also confessed the harassment turned physical. Someone left hate mail on her doorstep and threw eggs at her house, which will be explored in the upcoming season.
“It’s terrifying,” Whitney told PEOPLE. “Nobody should ever just accept or know that strangers are going to come to your house. It always makes me insanely uncomfortable. I hate it. I don’t know how to fix it.”
“I’ve been traumatized by being in the public eye,” the MBFFL star added. “It’s scary. It’s disheartening. And I think that someone with less support than I do may not make it out. When I say that I was almost suicidal, I mean that 100%. I think I’m a pretty strong person and that just shows you how much words really impact people.”
My Big Fat Fabulous Life returns to TLC at 9 PM Eastnern time on Tuesday, July 9. Stay tuned for the latest TLC updates on TV Shows Ace.
Please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation. Dial 988, text “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.
