Latest news with #onlinebullying
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Simone Holtznagel speaks out about social media trolls and her fears for daughter Gia: 'It's already terrible and brutal'
Simone Holtznagel has shared her concerns about the dangers of social media, revealing she already fears the impact it could have on her young daughter as she grows up in an increasingly digital world. The 31-year-old, who welcomed her daughter Gia last year, admitted she's already thinking about how the online world might affect her little girl when she's older. 'I definitely worry about social media with Gia, not right now but when she goes to school and gets older,' she told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday. 'It is already terrible and brutal so who knows what it is going to be like by then.' Holtznagel, who rose to fame as a contestant on Australia's Next Top Model and has since become a staple in the fashion and influencer space, knows all too well the toxic underbelly of the internet. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She's been the target of online trolls herself and says the experience has made her more vocal when it comes to standing up to bullying. While many suffer in silence, she said she's grateful to have the platform and confidence to call out abusive behaviour - something not everyone feels empowered to do. Though she admits she's developed a thick skin over the years, Holtznagel says the intensity of online criticism continues to shock her. From cruel remarks about her appearance to unsolicited opinions about her parenting, the model has copped it all - and it's made her more protective than ever. The new mum now uses her experiences to advocate for greater kindness online and hopes social media platforms will evolve to offer better protections by the time her daughter reaches school age. Simone previously dated celebrity personal trainer Jono, 34, and they welcomed their daughter before ending things late last year. Jono has since moved on with Love Triangle star Emily Ryder, with the two debuting their relationship on social media. Last month, Jono was spotted enjoying a romantic night out with Emily at the Sydney Opera House. The pair have reportedly been dating for several months and are taking things 'very slowly'. Sources close to the couple say Jono and Emily bonded over their shared passion for fitness and adventure, and are often seen working out together. While the couple have kept their relationship relatively low-key until now, insiders claim they are 'absolutely smitten' and looking forward to spending even more time together. Jono and Simone dated for almost two years after meeting through Sydney's social scene and share Gia, one, together. The trainer, who owns the Acero fitness brand, remains one of Australia's most in-demand celebrity trainers, having worked with the likes of Rebel Wilson, Rita Ora and Michael Clarke.
RNZ News
19-06-2025
- RNZ News
‘Unfortunate' gagging order against Chinese journalist lifted
Portia Mao (left) and Morgan Xiao Photo: Supplied A District Court judge has lifted a gagging order that had been imposed on a Chinese-New Zealand journalist for almost a year over claims of online bullying. In July last year, the Auckland District Court ordered freelance journalist Peng (Portia) Mao to take down articles she posted online about Auckland Transport traffic warden Zhihong (Morgan) Xiao and publish an apology. Discharging the interim order on 11 June, Manukau District Court Judge Richard McIlraith said Mao had no opportunity to defend herself in court at the time the orders were made. Portia Mao Photo: Supplied Mao is a veteran journalist who covers China-related issues in New Zealand as well as other subjects. In addition to working with Auckland Transport, Xiao is a former local body candidate and frequent commentator on social media about China-New Zealand matters, among other things. Xiao, who uses the handle "demon king" on social media, initiated court proceedings in July 2024 by filing a complaint under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 about two stories Mao had written. He claimed Mao's comments were defamatory, hurting his dignity and causing him to suffer "mental pressure". The first article involved, published in October 2019, questioned whether Xiao had lived in New Zealand for 15 years as he had claimed, further suggesting he had been "fired by his boss". Xiao claimed the material was "defamatory and untrue" in his original application to the court. He also claimed Mao had called him "worse than dog" in a separate article that was published in July last year in relation to an assault that had occurred on an East Auckland bus as well as a subsequent social media post on WeChat. Xiao's 2024 complaint was processed by the court without notifying Mao, as the former political candidate had submitted his application "without notice". Such applications are typically made under urgency, including claims of ongoing serious emotional distress. The court supported Xiao's application and ordered Mao to take down the relevant articles and all material on WeChat referring to the complainant as a "dog" and publish an apology. Mao challenged the ruling after learning of Xiao's "win" in court on social media. Morgan Xiao Photo: Supplied In September, the court clarified that its orders had been made on an interim basis and Mao could file a notice to be heard or submit an application to change or remove the orders, which she did. After reviewing evidence provided by both parties, McIlraith ruled that Xiao's application should not have been filed "without notice", noting that he "provided very little of the relevant context to his complaint". Mao's lawyer, Callum Fredric, claimed Xiao "deliberately (or otherwise) provided an incorrect email address [for Mao]", resulting in the journalist never being notified of Xiao's application. Defending her 2019 article, Mao said she produced the story about Xiao standing as a candidate in local body elections in the public interest. She attempted to contact Xiao for an interview, but her requests were rejected, Mao contended. Judge McIlraith noted that Xiao had denied Mao's claims about his length of time in New Zealand and workplace dismissal on social media but provided no evidence on this at the hearing. As a result, Mao was cleared of making a false allegation. In relation to the 2024 article and related social media post, Judge McIlraith discussed the context of the "dog" accusation. The ruling noted that Xiao published a series of articles attacking a Stuff documentary titled The Long Game , which Mao worked on as a researcher. Mao was asked in a WeChat group of around 500 members to answer some questions that had been asked by Xiao, including what Mao and others did in the documentary and how much they had been paid. It was in this reply that Mao referred to Xiao as "only worthy of being a dog", the court ruling said. Mao claimed the expression was a metaphor for Xiao's behaviour, implying that he was a "running dog", or propogandist, for the Chinese Communist Party in attacking the documentary. "However, an assessment must take into account Mr Xiao's circumstances given his highly active role in debate at the time about The Long Game ," Judge McIlraith said. "This cannot have been unexpected criticism." The judge ruled that no independent evidence of harm being caused to Xiao in respect of any of the articles about which he complained had been submitted. "As such ... Ms Mao must succeed in her application to have the orders previously made discharged," McIlraith said. In his submission to the court, Mao's lawyer claimed Xiao had weaponised the Harmful Digital Communications Act to silence a journalist, as Xiao had celebrated his victory on social media without Mao knowing an application had been filed. "What has occurred here has been unfortunate," McIlraith said. "This case has demonstrated the danger of 'without notice' applications being made under this act and the regrettable delay in a defendant having the opportunity to be heard." Mao told RNZ she was "genuinely pleased with the outcome of this case". "The judge's decision is profoundly significant," she said. "It will have a lasting impact on value choices within the Chinese community in New Zealand. "The court's decision has strengthened my belief that the winds of freedom will forever blow across New Zealand." Xiao said that his lawsuit was "originally a very simple case - a 'dog' insult was made". He had asked for an apology, but the case had been "seriously politicised". Xiao said he could either appeal the judgment in the high court or reconcile with people who held different political opinions. "After all, we all just cared about the same New Zealand and I'm a liberal," Xiao said. "But this path is not entirely up to me; it also depends on them. And, of course, I hope it's the latter."
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
TV sports presenter reveals hospital health battle after ‘horrific' comments about her weight when she appeared on Formula One coverage
TV sports presenter Lee McKenzie has spoke out after being targeted by online trolls who made 'horrific' comments about her weight. McKenzie is a regularly presenter on both Channel 4 and the BBC and has worked on a variety of sports including F1, rugby and equestrian. The 47-year-old made an appearance for the broadcaster's coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix - in which Oscar Piastri claimed his fifth victory of the season - on Sunday. However, McKenzie's return was met by online trolls who commented on her physical appearance on the day and now the Channel 4 presenter has revealed that she had been struggling with 'health issues' in recent weeks. Taking to Facebook, she wrote: 'I've been thinking about whether I should post this but I will as it's not just about me, it's for all women and men too. 'Last month I went into hospital for an operation and I've been struggling with some health issues for a while now. 'As you see on here I'm a private person and I post about my work, not too much about life outside of work. I don't need or want attention or validation. 'But the comments about my appearance and weight at the Spanish Grand Prix have been horrific. I've had to turn off comments on my social media. It's worth saying they came from women and men alike. 'If you don't like what someone wears or looks like on television, feel free to think about it but why send it to them? Why contact someone to be deliberately rude? 'I'm a journalist and I'm good at my job and I'm furious that this affects me. But it does and there will be people out there getting similar abuse that are not as strong as me. Don't do it. 'The good news is that a larger operation that I thought I was going to get isn't needed at the moment and things can be treated with medication. Many people have this. It's not about being unwell. It's about the vile comments from women and men commenting on my appearance. 'My health is improving and I'm back at the gym. For me. Not for anyone else. Think before you write to someone'. The post has since been 'liked' by over 25,000 Facebook users and 22,000 of her Instagram followers. Accompanying the posts was a picture of McKenzie while at a previous F1 event and a selfie from the hospital bed - where she pose with a smile and a thumbs up. Elsewhere on the day, a dejected Lewis Hamilton made a brutal Ferrari admission after finishing sixth at the Spanish Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion is still waiting for his first podium since joining the Scuderia from Mercedes and was lost for words after his misery in Barcelona . Hamilton came home in seventh but was bumped up one place after Max Verstappen careered into George Russell , an incident which saw him demoted down to 10th. Unable to keep up with the two McLarens and Verstappen, Hamilton was told to let Charles Leclerc pass him early in the race, giving his team-mate a leg up as he went on to finish third, and he was overtaken by Nico Hulkenberg on the penultimate lap.
ABC News
03-06-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Victorian principals given the power to expel students for behaviour outside school
Victorian school principals will have greater powers to suspend or expel students for misbehaviour outside of school or online from next term. The Victorian government has revealed changes that allow students to be suspended or expelled if their behaviour outside of school or online puts fellow students or staff at serious risk. Currently, those powers are restricted to responding to behaviour on school grounds. The government said the change brings Victoria in line with New South Wales and South Australia, and will take effect from the first day of term 3, 2025. Education Minister Ben Carroll said the move was in response to an increase in assaults and online bullying, including the use of AI deepfake images. "In Victoria, community safety comes first. These strengthened powers send a clear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online has consequences," Mr Carroll said. "The safety of students, teachers and school staff is our top priority — we're investing in programs that foster more respectful schools and acting to protect school communities. Mr Carroll said it would be up to principals to decide how and when to use the new powers. "This is a measure we're putting in as a last resort," he said. "I've met with families and principals where incidents have occurred online, have been incredibly harmful and because it happened outside the school gate, the principal hasn't had the appropriate authority."
CTV News
03-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Growing concern over cyberbullying in White Rock
Growing concern over cyberbullying in White Rock Police are urging parents to keep a close eye on their children's social media use amid an uptick in reports of online bullying and extortion.
