Sam Frost’s fight against online bullies

Friends rally around the radio star and former Bachelorette after online trolls ‘break’ her

Returning from a romantic holiday in Bali, Sam Frost looked happy and rejuvenated as she strolled through Sydney airport with boyfriend Sasha Mielczarek.

But her holiday glow quickly turned to despair when just hours after she arrived back in the country, she revealed she’d once again been attacked by online trolls – and this time it was too much.

“To the fake accounts heavily trolling me online & into my personal life. If you wanted to break me… Congratulations you have won. #broken,” she tweeted.

While exactly what tipped 27-year- old Sam over the edge is unknown, it was serious enough to force the radio host to respond publicly and sparked concerns for the former Bachelorette. Comparisons have been drawn with Charlotte Dawson, who wrote a similar message to trolls before a suicide attempt in 2012 and her eventual suicide in 2014.

It’s been a tough year for Sam, who has had to fend off criticism over her weight, as well as low radio ratings. Earlier this year, she wrote an open letter to the online bullies targeting her, and was forced to defend herself against body-shamers labelling her too skinny.

“I don’t think people really understand the impact of [bullying],” says Sam, who has also watched her mum Debbie battle depression, anorexia and bulimia for years.

Hurtful words

“Those empty words you write behind a keyboard have an eternal effect on the person they’re directed at… You could ruin their day, their week and even their life.” Her friends and family were quick to show support. “Don’t you let them win, normal people don’t bring others down. Stay strong for you but also for the girls who need you,” tweeted radio host Mel Greig. “You are strong, smart and beautiful. Do not let faceless cowards get inside your head,” added Big Brother star Tully Smyth.

If you are distressed by issues raised in this story, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).

‘Those empty words you write behind a keyboard have an eternal effect’