“Jeremy Vine’s Advocacy for Victims: Standing Strong Against Stalker Alex”

Jeremy Vine Stands Strong with Fellow Victims of Stalker Alex Belfield

The ‘Jimmy Savile of Trolling’

Jeremy Vine, the host of BBC Radio 2, has pledged his support to fellow victims of online stalker Alex Belfield, whom he describes as the ‘Jimmy Savile of trolling’. Vine, now 58, was subjected to vile social media posts and emails from DJ Belfield. Phil Dehany, a 41-year-old theatre blogger, also fell victim to Belfield’s harassment. Dehany revealed that he was driven to the brink of suicide due to the relentless torment inflicted by Belfield. In September, Belfield was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail for stalking Vine, Dehany, and two other individuals associated with the BBC, from 2012 to 2021. Vine pursued a civil case against the stalker and was successful in obtaining an apology and substantial damages for the abuse, lies, and harassment he endured.

Crowdfunding for Legal Costs

Following Vine’s example, Dehany has decided to take legal action against Belfield and has started a crowdfunding campaign to cover his legal costs. Dehany expressed his appreciation for Vine’s support, mentioning a WhatsApp group that Vine created to make sure everyone affected by Belfield’s actions was doing okay. Vine even took them out for dinner. The radio host also used his platform to highlight the need for Dehany’s case to be heard.

Revealing Private Health Status

In his first public statement, Dehany revealed that he was forced to disclose his HIV-positive status after Belfield hinted about his “lifelong condition” in a YouTube video uploaded just before the stalker‘s imprisonment. Dehany intends to sue Belfield for harassment and demands a public apology. The stalking campaign by Belfield, now 43 years old, lasted for nine years after his contract with the BBC was not renewed in 2011. He posted YouTube videos where he defamed and attacked Dehany, labeling him as “morally corrupt” and a “low life scumbag mincing on the airwaves”. Belfield even boasted about making Dehany suicidal, displaying a complete lack of remorse.

Moving Forward and Seeking Accountability

The abuse didn’t cease even during the lockdown period when Dehany sought refuge at his parents’ home in Middleton, Cumbria. Belfield spent 25 minutes spreading lies about Dehany, including false accusations of mental instability, which his parents knew were untrue. The impact of Belfield’s actions created significant tension within the family, leading to strained relationships. Dehany eventually returned to London but described that period as a low point, confessing that he contemplated suicide. Despite the conviction and imprisonment of Belfield, Dehany is apprehensive that he will resume his predatory behavior upon release.

Dehany believes that accountability for what is published on social media platforms should be on par with mainstream media. He emphasized the need for social media platforms to take responsibility for the content they host, as the effects of online stalking and harassment can be devastating and long-lasting. The lasting impact of this traumatic experience on Dehany’s life cannot be easily undone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the following organizations for support:

• Samaritans
• Childline
• MIND
• PAPYRUS
• Depression Alliance
• Students Against Depression
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
• NHS Mental Health Helplines