‘Disgusting’: Jelena Dokic reveals twist after ‘evil’ online abuse
Jelena Dokic has revealed surprising details about a fresh online abuse storm, calling out one particular group’s “fat shaming”.
Jelena Dokic has revealed surprise details surrounding her latest online trolling storm.
The Aussie tennis great has received another flurry of abusive messages on social media after she last week called out trolls for behaviour she described as “a new low”.
Dokic, who made the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2009 and has been open about her experience with family violence and her mental health struggles, said she was brought to tears on Friday morning by a “disgusting” post on her Instagram page.
She is now facing the same situation all over again just days later.
Dokic re-posted messages she was sent by Instagram users recently, describing them as “disgusting”.
Dokic, who revealed in June she had considered taking her own life last April, swiftly called out the trolls.
Her brave, public stance included a surprising detail that the majority of the abuse has been sent by women.
“The ‘body shaming’ and ‘fat shaming’ over the last 24 hours has been insane,” she posted in all capitalised letters.
“Coming from everywhere in the world and a special shout to so much of it coming from Serbia as the last picture confirms.
“And, yes, a lot of them are women too. So much for ‘women supporting women’.
“Here are just a few examples confirming just how much body shaming I am being subjected to in Serbia as well. And this first picture? EVIL. There is no other word for it.
“Disgusting. People should be so ashamed. The most common comment being ‘what happened to her, she is so big’?
“I will tell you what happened, I am finding a way and surviving and fighting. And it really doesn’t matter what I am doing and what happened because size shouldn’t matter.
“What matters is your online abuse, bullying and fat shaming. That’s what matters because those of you that do it are just evil, bad, mean and ignorant people.”
She had last week been sent even more repugnant messages.
“Now that the Australian Open is starting, will Jelena Dokic try to kill herself like she does every year,” one commenter wrote to her in Serbian, with a laughing emoji.
She responded by writing: “A new low and this actually made me cry this morning when I woke up and read it.
“Just when you think online abuse and trolling can’t get any worse. Almost 1 million people commit suicide in the world every year.
“That’s scary and so sad and then people like this disgusting person and a few others out there make fun of it!? How disgusting. They should (be) ashamed of themselves.”
“A bad person, that’s who. And of course an ignorant one,” Dokic wrote on Instagram.
“I am thinking of all of those who have committed suicide, those who have wanted to, those who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide and all those struggling.
“I am fighting for all of those who feel like they don’t have a voice, who don’t feel like they are being heard, for those who are struggling, for those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, have lost loved ones and friends to suicide and I am fighting against ignorance, bad people, trolls, online abuse and disgusting human beings.
“So many are at their absolute breaking point so please be kind, caring and understanding.
“Sending so much love to all the good people out there and especially to all those struggling.”
On Thursday, Dokic was targeted by trolls regarding the treatment she received from her father Damir, which included decades of abuse she has detailed in her 2017 biography Unbreakable.
“Enough is enough,” she wrote on Thursday.
“I will always speak up for and fight for what is right.
“It’s time to call it out and show it.”
“Apparently it’s OK that I was abused, beaten to the point of being unconscious, beaten to the point of bleeding with a leather belt … because it was good for me and my tennis and I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
Dokic was inundated with support from people slamming the trolls.
TV presenter Jacqui Felgate wrote: “You’re an inspiration. We adore you.”
Giaan Rooney commented: “This is horrific, but remember how many people adore you. You are doing an incredible job & we love watching you!”
Leisel Jones said: “I have no words nor will I waste my time or energy on this pond scum. “You are so loved regardless of your mental health status. I wish I was there to give you a big hug but a virtual one will have to do. Love you!
Dokic has previously slammed people for repeatedly body shaming her on social media.