Charlotte Dawson has opened up about the impact of online trolling, admitting “it gets to me” after facing a barrage of criticism that led to an unwarranted call from child services.
The pregnant star, expecting her third child, was shocked last month when she was accused of drinking alcohol and social services got in touch. It came after Charlotte posted a picture where she was seen enjoying Nozeco – a non-alcoholic prosecco – during her 32nd birthday celebrations.
Charlotte was away with partner Matt Sarsfield at the Lakes Hotel and Spa in Windermere for a bit of rest and relaxation at the time. The former realty TV star says the worst part of the call was knowing the children’s services could have used their time to help youngsters who are in need.
She said: “I get called the most pathetic things and it’s terrible when there’s actual children who need their help. Anything I do, basically, I get a phone call from social services really.”
“Because I’m very open and honest, I don’t get it. Even though I clearly state that it was a Nozeco and show the bottle, but apparently I’m lying.”
Being in the limelight since her father, comedian Les Dawson’s fame, doesn’t make handling negative remarks any easier for Charlotte, especially when she is pregnant, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In an open-hearted discussion, she expressed, You’ve got to have thick skin to be in the public eye and I definitely have thick skin, I’m chunky but funky at the moment, so definitely have thick skin. I do have thick skin because I’m used to it but when I am pregnant and hormonal it does get to me.
“You see the more negative comments than the positive, and that really annoys me. I have way more positive than negative but it gets to you, especially right now and I am trying my best as a mum and a woman and I don’t get why people want to tear you down, we should stick together.”
And, despite carrying baby number three, Charlotte has shown no signs of slowing down. She is preparing to appear in Aladdin at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and has teamed up with pub chain Hungry Horse to launch its fourth festive toy appeal.
The stats from the chain highlight a stark reality as over two million children might receive no presents this Christmas. Hungry Horse has set an ambitious goal of collecting 20,000 toys to bring some joy.
Reflecting on the holiday spirit, Charlotte said: “Christmas is all about love, don’t get me wrong, presents are a bonus, but over the years it has become so materialistic and it is bad, because it’s all about the love, but Noah is four and he is at a brilliant age where it is so magical and all about Christmas and presents, and everything like that.”
“Just imagining those two million children not getting a Christmas present is so sad. And I think we really do need to make a difference and Hungry Horse is aiming to hit its 20,000th donation this year.”
To donate new or pre-loved toys, visit your local Hungry Horse pub before 19th December. For more information, visit: https://www.hungryhorse.co.uk/christmas/toy-station-donation.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.