CHER LLOYD

FROM SUNDAY MERCURY.NET

http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/midlands-news/2011/07/24/cher-lloyd-targeted-by-online-death-threat-66331-29108646/#.TixIpl6VnnY.email

CHER LLOYD TARGETED BY ONLINE DEATH THREAT

Jul 24 2011

BY ADAM ASPINALL, SUNDAY MERCURY

SINGER Cher Lloyd has been targeted by sinister death threats and vile racist abuse from internet bullies.

The 17 year-old, from Malvern in Worcestershire, should be looking forward to the release of her debut single, Swagger Jagger, next week.
But after it was leaked online last week, the former X Factor star received a barrage of abuse on her Twitter account.

One person warned Cher on the social network site: “As soon as I get my driving licence, I am going to run you over.”
Another wrote: “You are an awful, stupid brat and I hate your music.”

Other abusive messages were posted, but they are too X-rated for a family newspaper to publish.
But while most teens would probably crumble under such ferocious attack, feisty Cher has hit back by tackling the internet bullies.

She wrote: “You may view me as being talentless but ya’ still taking the time to tweet me.’’ In another Twitter message she wrote: “If someone can say that to me then they can say it to anyone. Fight the bullies. Don’t let them win!”

She also responded to further racist taunts about her ethnic background, with some abusers poking fun at her traveller roots.

Cher wrote: “I’m a gypsy. Are you coming with me? I am what I am, like it or lump it.”
It is not the first time the talented teenager has had to defend herself against racist slurs.

Earlier this year one Twitter user asked the singer: “Shouldn’t you be preparing for your Big Fat Gypsy Wedding?”

Another user wrote: “Gypsy life expectancy is 50. That means we probably have another 33 years of Cher Lloyd.”

It is not only on Twitter that Cher has faced criticism, and she was recently blasted by rap artist Example.

But with a single due out and a debut album on the way, she looks like having the last laugh.

Cher recently said: “Some people find it hard to come to terms with the fact that everyone is different.
“I think it all boils down to their own insecurities – if you’re unhappy with yourself, you’re going to pick on someone else, and that’s what they’re doing.
“I feel sorry for them.”

She also credited her fans with giving her strength, adding: ‘It’s really good. I call them my brats because they’re feisty.

“I don’t even have to open my mouth – they do it for me. I couldn’t do it without them.”