Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Attenborough trolls send fans 'sexy rude' messages from fake accounts

Sir David warns: 'If you get a lewd message, it's not from me' 

Heather Saul
Wednesday 25 September 2013 10:01 EDT
Comments
Sir David Attenborough has been targeted by internet trolls impersonating him
Sir David Attenborough has been targeted by internet trolls impersonating him (BBC via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir David Attenborough has revealed internet trolls have been impersonating him on social media and sending his fans "obscene" messages.

The 87-year-old broadcaster said that at least two bogus profiles have been set up in his name and messages claiming to be from him had been sent to different social media users.

"They're horrible, rude - er, sexy rude - so you have to get a lawyer to take them down," he told The Sun.

"If you get a lewd message, it's not from me."

Sir David said he does not use email and has never had social networking accounts, so he was surprised to hear that people were using fake accounts under his name.

He has since instructed his lawyers to act so as to protect his reputation by requesting the removal of an account from Twitter and one from Facebook.

The national treasure spoke after finishing filming for a second series of David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities, which will air in February 2014.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in