KELL FLEES TROLL HELL
CBB star quits the UK
BOXING promoter Kellie Maloney has fled Britain after trolls targeted her in an online hate campaign.
Kellie, who underwent gender reassignment surgery last year, was attacked over a planned appearance at a children’s charity event.
The Celebrity Big Brother star was due to speak at an NSPCC debate about transgender youngsters.
But the social media backlash was so vicious she pulled out and quit the UK the next day.
Kellie, 62, who as Frank managed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis, has been relentlessly targeted by FELICITY CROSS trolls since she transitioned. She plans to start a new life in Portugal permanently in the New Year.
A friend told the Daily Star Sunday: “Kellie has had enough.
“She has tried to be strong and help raise awareness and acceptance of transgender people, and thought speaking at the charity bash would be a positive experience.
“It’s not fair on her or her family. She won’t be subjected to this lowest level of bullying by faceless cowards.
“She had to escape and is now plotting a permanent move.” Our insider flagged up some of the messages that pushed Kellie over the edge.
One troll wrote: “It’s quite incredible that @nspcc_ press @NSPCC think it’s acceptable to have @kelliefmaloney.”
Another spat: “You don’t pass. You look like a man as I do. Very few older people pass.”
The event, titled “Is Society Letting Transgender Children Down?” was due to take place last month but was cancelled when Kellie pulled out.
Feminist writer Sarah Ditum was also scheduled to take part but a petition was launched to ban her from the event.
Protesters claim she is “anti-trans” but Ms Ditum denies it, saying she aims to assess the “conflicted state of scientific evidence for gender identity.”
Our source added: “The abuse and the controversy was just too much.”
Kellie has spoken of her love of Portugal, where she has a holiday home in the Algarve.
She wrote in her autobiography: “During my transition, that house was my haven. Whenever I arrive... the stress drops off me. My balcony has the best view in the Algarve.”