I’m A Celebrity’s Amir, Jamie and Dennis could be JAILED if their bullying of Iain happened online, charity claim
The I'm A Celebrity campmates appeared to have ganged up on Iain over the last week, making for uncomfortable viewing
AMIR Khan, Jamie Lomas and Dennis Wise could be jailed if their bullying of Iain Lee happened online, according to a leading anti-bullying charity.
The I’m A Celebrity campmates have come under fire over the last few days after making a series of “jokes” and nasty comments aimed at the broadcaster.
Those watching at home have struggled to watch the scenes as Iain has become increasingly upset, admitting yesterday he was being made to feel “uncomfortable”.
And now the head of National Bullying Helpline, Christine Pratt, has claimed that if what was happening in the jungle occurred online, Amir, Jamie and Dennis could face a prison sentence because it has caused distress to Iain.
She explained to The Sun Online: “Bullying is very often about perception.
“Collusion, mobbing, exclusion and negative and hurtful comments is, simply, bullying. It is outlawed in the workplace.”
She continued: “If what is happening in the jungle was occurring online i.e. cyberbullying and it was seemed to be both serious and causing distress, it might carry a prison sentence under the Malicious Communications Act, part of The Harassment Act.”
Christine, who has a wealth of experience on the topic, claims it is “ridiculous” to pretend what is happening on screen is not bullying.
And interestingly the charity has seen an increase in calls, which she believes is down to people recognising Iain’s plight as their own.
She said: “Viewers will liken what they see on TV to something occurring in their personal lives or in their workplace.
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“To suggest it is not bullying is ridiculous. If it was happening to your child you would not hesitate to call it bullying.
“The National Bullying Helpline is seeing an increase in calls which, we suspect, may be related to the current Celebrity Jungle controversy.”
Dennis lost his place in the jungle last night after he came to blows with Iain earlier in the week.
He has since denied that he was bullying his fellow campmate, while Amir's wife rushed to his defence today.
The National Bullying Helpline: 0845 22 55 787
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