Harry Potter author JK Rowling has used her Twitter to shut down homophobic abuse aimed at Olympic diver Tom Daley.
Poor Tom failed to qualify for the final of the 10m platform dive in Rio over the weekend.
The 22-year-old previously scooped a bronze medal for the synchronised event, but broke down in tears when he realised his own Olympic dreams were out of reach for another four years.
“It’s really hard to accept. I’ve worked so hard,” Tom told the BBC.
“Yesterday I scored the highest score ever in an Olympic Games. Today it wasn’t meant to be. That’s what diving does sometimes.”
Truly heartbroken. but I will never give up on my dream of being an Olympic champion. pic.twitter.com/lflU8vACod
— Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994) August 20, 2016
But then cruel online trolls from a UK group called Christian Voice took to their Twitter to post a vicious homophobic tweet.
Turning gay doesn’t seem to have done Tom Daley any favours at #Rio2016 https://t.co/tdbT0Y5acx
— Christian Voice (@UKCV) August 20, 2016
JK Rowling, who is very active on the social media platform, wasn’t having it and jumped to Tom’s defence by quoting the tweet and responding: “Can’t decide which is more offensive in this tweet, the stupidity or the spite.”
Can’t decide which is more offensive in this tweet, the stupidity or the spite. https://t.co/ksqZp17drc
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 20, 2016
More of Tom’s fans also jumped in to support Tom against the trolls.
Aside from a Bronze medal #TomDaley has given young, gay people a role model, & the inspiration to be themselves. What have the haters done?
— Hamfisted Bun Vendor (@MetalOllie) August 20, 2016
You will always be number 1 in our hearts @TomDaley1994 ! @TeamGB @Olympics ?????? Bring on the 2020 games!! ?? #diving https://t.co/xbZsISvONM
— MICHAEL AUGER 😀 (@MichaelCollabro) August 20, 2016
To all the idiots tweeting homophobic slurs to @TomDaley1994 tonight just remember he’s an Olympic Bronze medal winner and you’re at home.
— YORKSHIRE PROBLEMS (@yorkshireprobs) August 20, 2016
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