John Bishop dubs Twitter 'a forum to abuse people' as he leaves the site amid troll siege
Comedian John Bishop has abandoned Twitter after abuse was directed at his family by trolls.
Bishop shines a light on trolls
The Liverpudlian stand-up, who has 2.7 million followers on the site, left Twitter earlier this week despite being an avid user who regularly posts updates to his fans.
His wife of 20 years, Michelle Bishop, also suspended her account this year amid similar abuse from trolls.
Bishop tweeted that he is "taking some time away" from Twitter as it is a platform for "scumbags" to abuse people.
I am taking some time off Twitter. I can take anything but when scumbags have a forum to abuse people I love I think it's time to move away
— John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) November 28, 2014
He made the announcement after playing a gig in Glasgow at the SSE Hydra as part of his Supersonic tour on Thursday 27 November.
Glasgow you are a unique city and I always leave a better person than when I arrived. Thank you for being there and for two great nights x — John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) November 27, 2014
After the announcement his fans left encouragement, advice and praise for the comedian.
@JohnBishop100 So the idiots win? Come on buddy - just block them. The vast majority are decent. — Rajeev Datta (@rajeevdatta) November 28, 2014
@JohnBishop100 Sorry to hear that dude. It's a hard thing to watch a friend get abused. It's worse when its a bunch of cowards doing it. — David Joseph Brady (@WolfPenguined) November 28, 2014
@JohnBishop100 Understandable but there is always the "Block" or "Unfollow" button mate. You will be missed by genuine fans
— Steve Roberts (@Starob2011) November 28, 2014
Internet trolling has become a widespread problem of late with those perpetrating the attacks often hiding behind the veil of anonymity.
Earlier this month, Reuters acknowledged the issue and removed the comments feature from its site, adding that readers can still voice their opinions on the publication’s social media channels.