‘He sent me death threats – I’m scared I’ll never find peace’

CECILIE FJELLHØY SAYS…

‘I’m called a gold-digger and told I deserve it’

I’ve been reflecting a lot on how I feel about relationships. I’m dating, but I haven’t had a long-term or deep relationship since it happened. Everything Simon did has harmed the way I’m dating and perhaps I’m scared of opening up. I have baggage now. I have healed but I still think there’s a long way to go.

There’s shame attached to stories like mine and I don’t want anyone who’s been a victim to feel ashamed.

Since our story broke, I’ve been contacted by people who almost got defrauded by Simon. I’ve had messages saying, “I met him in Amsterdam… but we only went on a couple of dates and that was it – he never asked me for money.“I think, “Oh, great for you!”

The truth is, he met so many people and picked the ones he knew would help him out when he was pretending to be in need.

People often ask me, “How has he got away with it? What are the police doing?” And I have to say, “Your guess is as good as mine.”

I haven’t heard back from the police officer who was supposed to be chasing my case. I’ve no idea what’s going on.

I’m desperate to see Simon behind bars. I want him in jail so he can’t do this to anyone else. He deserves to serve time for what he’s done to so many others across Europe.

One thing that’s bothered me in recent weeks has been seeing people like French Montana and Cardi B tweeting that they met him. That’s their reaction to watching the documentary and seeing women in pain! They have all that power and a big following and instead of sending a message about the pain he’s caused, they just want to show that they met him, like he’s an actor in a popular show.

Some people think the same when they meet me. They smile and want a picture like this was a performance – not a traumatic experience. When I listen to some of the voice notes Simon sent me on the documentary or on a podcast, they still make me cry. It’s like the trauma is right there in my face again.

The outpouring of love from all over the world has been tremendous, but I still feel scared that I won’t get peace and be able to put it behind me.

Simon inflicted shame and made death threats. He told me to “watch out” and that “every action causes a reaction”. He said I had “no idea” what he was capable of and I’d regret not supporting him.

Someone has been private messaging me on Twitter saying I deserve everything that’s happened to me. They said they’ve sent Simon messages asking to be his apprentice because they’re happy he swindled a gold-digger. It’s disgusting but I don’t let it break me. These people just want attention.

I also see people online twisting what happened. One girl commented, “Who just gives out a loan of $300,000?” But I never did that – none of us did. They don’t know the full story. But others are supportive, saying, “Keep fighting!”

In Norway, I’m talking to politicians about fraud because the system, when it comes to money, is so rigged towards protecting the banks. I’ve started an organisation but haven’t got it off the ground yet because I’m trying to fix my own life first.

When I have the energy I’ll go out there and speak up for the cause. Thinking about everything that happened can be draining but I’m happy our story is resonating.

Perhaps none of us will ever get justice but there’s no harm in trying one last time. I’m not ready to be done.