On Sunday night, Abbie Chatfield made a guest appearance as the co-host of The Project, when she disclosed that she had received troubling direct messages on social media.
The former reality TV star and 27-year-old radio host spoke about Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer and Big Brother contestant who has been dubbed “the scariest guy on the internet,” and revealed some alarming conversations.
Tate has been charged with using his over 11 billion views on TikTok videos to spread violent misogynistic sentiments.
Tate has said, among other things, that women “belong in the house,” “can’t drive,” and are a “man’s possession.”
A woman who has been raped should “carry some responsibility,” he adds.\
According to some experts, these perverse attitudes are influencing young guys who are exposed to Tate’s content through TikTok’s algorithm.
Podcaster Michelle Andrews told The Project in a story that aired before the panel discussion: “I would love to say that this guy exists in obscure corners of the internet that we can ignore, but the reality is that he’s gone from complete obscurity in the last two months to being one of the most Googled people in the world.
“There are too many young men who are consuming this stuff. You cannot ignore it. We did for a while, and it didn’t work.”
Given her own online visibility, Chatfield said to her co-hosts that the Tate incident had given her “a really difficult time.”
“I kind of exist in the realm of feminism and calling out misogyny, and on my podcast, my radio show, I’ve been asked (about him),” she explained.
Hamish Macdonald questioned Chatfield about any indications of Tate’s influence from her internet interactions.
Of course, she answered.
“I’m receiving direct messages from what seem to be early teen guys with phrases like, “I hope Andrew Tate destroys you,” or similar expressions.