A woman has spoken publicly about the abuse she says she has experienced after becoming the target of false claims circulated online by far-right accounts. According to her, the misinformation has resulted in strangers shouting "seagull eater" at her in public, turning an online rumor into real-world harassment.

She said the accusations are entirely false and have had a significant impact on her daily life, leaving her anxious about going out in public. The repeated verbal abuse, she explained, has highlighted how quickly misinformation shared on social media can spread and influence public behaviour.

The incident has reignited concerns about the growing impact of online disinformation, particularly when misleading or fabricated stories target individuals. Campaigners warn that viral falsehoods can lead to harassment, intimidation and lasting reputational damage, even when the claims have been thoroughly debunked.

Digital safety experts say social media platforms face increasing pressure to respond more quickly to misleading content that can incite abuse or encourage coordinated harassment. They argue that stronger moderation, improved fact-checking and greater public awareness are essential to reducing the spread of harmful misinformation.

Community leaders and anti-hate organizations have also condemned the abuse, calling for respectful public discourse and urging people to verify information before sharing it online. They warn that false narratives can have serious consequences for individuals who become the focus of online campaigns.

The woman's experience has become part of a broader conversation in the UK about online safety, misinformation and the responsibility of platforms and users to prevent harmful content from spreading. Advocates say tackling disinformation requires cooperation between governments, technology companies and the public to protect individuals from targeted harassment.