Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore has spoken out against the media and Twitter trolls, saying she wants to use her platform to "call people out".
She was speaking after news that Caroline Flack took her own life at her London home yesterday at the age of 40.
Flack was due to stand trial in March for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend last year, despite him saying he did not support the prosecution.
He released a statement on Instagram, saying that he will be her voice and will ask all the questions and get all the answers she wanted.
Dubliner Laura Whitmore, who took over from Flack as the presenter of Love Island, was filled with emotion and anger as she spoke about her friend on her BBC5 Live radio show this morning.
She described Flack as "vivacious, loving and with a passion for life" and said "none of this makes sense".
While she paid tribute to Flack's many talents, she said: "She had many struggles and wasn't perfect… and she lived every mistake publicly under the scrutiny of the media."
She went on: "Caroline loved love, that's all she wanted, which is why Love Island was so important to her. The show was about finding love, friendship and having a laugh.
"The problem wasn't the show - the show to work on is loving and caring and safe and protected, the problem is the outside world is not.
Whitmore then took aim at those she believes played a part in her friend's death.
“Be kind... It’s gone too far... your words affect people.”
Laura Whitmore’s opening link on her 5Live show this morning.
This is incredibly powerful radio about Caroline Flack’s death. pic.twitter.com/ovxZ1NDeKh— Steve Holden (@SteveHReports) February 16, 2020
She said: "Anyone who's ever compared one woman against another on Twitter, knocked someone because of their appearance, invaded someone else's privacy or who have made mean unnecessary comments on an online forum need to look at themselves."
She added: "To the press and newspapers who create clickbait, who demonise and tear down success, we've had enough.
"I've seen journalists and Twitter-warriors talk of this tragedy and who've twisted what the truth is. You don't have to tear down someone to feel good about yourself.
Whitmore then made an emotional plea for people to "be kind" and take responsibility for the way they treat others.
I’m trying to find the words but I can’t 💔 pic.twitter.com/FY3ppLzqsA
— Laura Whitmore ⚡️ (@thewhitmore) February 15, 2020
Admitting that she herself has been harassed for "just doing my job", she said she now wants to use her platform to speak out.
She said: "It's gone too far. Your words affect people. For paparazzi and newspapers looking for a cheap-sell, to trolls hiding behind a keyboard, enough."
Whitmore ended her tribute by saying: "Caroline, I'm so sad for you and for your family. I'm angry that you saw this as your only option as I know how much love and support you had. I'm sorry you didn't know that.
"I'm not sure when, but I know I'll see you on a dance floor again and I hope you are at peace and know you are loved."
Anyone who is feeling distressed can call Samaritans on 116 123.
Reporting by IRN
