Coronation Street actor Daniel Brocklebank has spoken out about the abuse he received following the gay kissing scenes on the popular soap, including death threats.
Sadly, the 30-year-old who plays vicar Billy Mayhew was called a child abuser by some viewers who were upset that their children had seen two men kissing on the ITV show.
The panel discuss the importance of allies, intersectionality and fair media representation #StonewallSeason #ByYourSide @stonewalluk pic.twitter.com/ki3kxk0OFz
— Sarah Moore (@sarahmoorexo) November 1, 2016
The actor was speaking at the Stonewall season event which celebrates LGBT life and culture while highlighting challenges that many still face.
“I was horrified by some of the death threats. I had people calling me a child abuser because their children had been in the room watching two men kissing,” he said.
Huge thanks to @ruth_hunt & all at @stonewalluk for having me on the panel to launch #StonewallSeason. #UnitingOurCommunities
— Daniel Brocklebank (@Dan_Brocklebank) November 1, 2016
“I had messages from people saying their five and six-year-olds were totally disturbed by what they had seen.
“Why their six-year-olds were up at 8.45 PM at night I don’t know. I think they should have been in bed long before that."
Thankfully, however, not everyone was as put out by the scenes. Recalling a story about speaking to his friend who has two six-year-olds, Daniel showed that not everyone is that narrow minded.
Powerful conversation with our amazing panel @stonewalluk #stonewallseason launch @ruth_hunt @Charlie_Craggs @Dan_Brocklebank pic.twitter.com/BnnBM3RSEE
— Louise Smith (@Louiseakatoots) November 1, 2016
“But I spoke to a friend of mine on the phone the following day who has two six-year-olds,” he said.
“They’ve been brought up to know that it’s normal, to know that it’s acceptable and to know that relationships come in all forms. That’s because of their parenting. There’s no age restriction.
“I’m pleased that Coronation Street pushes those boundaries.”
