23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Viral Glasgow Oompa Loompa calls for change after abuse
Kirsty Paterson from Bishopbriggs was thrust into the global spotlight last year when a photo of her dressed as the iconic character at the failed Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow went viral.
She said the experience led to abuse, ridicule, and a mental health crisis that nearly cost her her life.
(Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: Call for unseen footage from Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience
In an interview on the Go Doxx Yourself podcast, she said: "I think there needs to be definitely, 110 per cent more legislation on this because the result of this could be death and suicide."
She was working as an entertainer at the children's event in February 2024 and had hoped it would be a stepping stone in her acting career.
Instead, she found herself the target of relentless online abuse after the event—marketed as an immersive Willy Wonka experience—was exposed as a poorly executed tour of a mostly empty warehouse.
Following the fallout, Kirsty was forced to turn off her phone and stay with a friend in Edinburgh to escape the torrent of negativity.
She shared: "I just couldn't mentally deal with it. I had to switch off, and even when my phone was switched off, I couldn't switch off.
"For me, it was the horrible comments; it was putting me down a really dark hole at the time."
READ MORE: Man behind viral Glasgow Willy Wonka experience accused of rape
She described feeling "completely dehumanised" as her image was used in advertisements and merchandise without her consent.
Kirsty said: "This was all within four days.
"I turned my phone off because I actually mentally couldn't cope with it."
She believes copyright laws need to change to give people more control over how their images are used, especially in commercial contexts.
She said individuals should be able to give consent or receive compensation if their image is used for profit.
The public narrative only began to shift after parents of children at the event shared positive stories about the entertainers' efforts under challenging circumstances.
She said: 'I'm forever grateful to the parents for doing that. And they kind of saved my life. I'm not being dramatic when I say that."
(Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: Actress has looked back on botched Glasgow Willy Wonka event
Since then, she has appeared on television chat shows, been interviewed by the New York Times, and even featured in an Edinburgh Fringe show based on her experience.
Kirsty added: "Going viral isn't all positive, but it's also been an amazing experience as well."
Her full story was shared on the podcast Go Doxx Yourself, which explores the human stories behind online controversies.
For anyone struggling with their mental health, support is available through the Samaritans at or by calling 116 123.
