Influencer Ellie Darby has issued a grovelling statement after shocking tweets from 10 years ago resurfaced and sparked anger.
The 26-year-old mum and Instagram sensation, who has over 700,000 followers, and her influencer fiancé Connor Swift have faced backlash over the tweets, with some still visible on a Twitter account.
With the tweets being widely reshared in the form of screenshots, the pair have released a statement saying they are “devastated” by some of the language they used when they were younger.
One tweet from the account @EllenorDarby said: “Why do foreign people follow me? I don’t speak your grunts, meatheads.”
Another said: “I much prefer my pretty four labrador retrievers to my ugly, spiteful, mongrel cat. That b***h can go back to the rspca.”
Twitter saw an influx of resurfaced tweets from the ancient accounts of both Elle and Connor over the Christmas break.
The tweets were incredibly shocking to many, and most followed a theme of racism directed at those from ethnic and minority groups of people.
Several of the tweets made reference to skin colour, another used the n-word and others also hinted at harming animals, as well as themes of bullying, fatphobia, and wishing death upon bus drivers.
Taking to Instagram stories to apologise for their past behaviour, the couple penned a statement which read: “Christmas and New Year are traditionally a time for reflection and as such we decided to take some time to look through both of our histories on social.
“We are ashamed to admit that we did not like what we found. The both of us were shocked, surprised and devastated by some of the language used in our very old tweets in particular over a decade ago.
“We feel that we all have a responsibility for our own mistakes and to try and take responsibility for our actions, especially the ones that don’t paint us in the best light.”
They continued: “These comments are not a reflection of who either of us are as grown adults, nor who we were at the time they were made, and do not align with what we stand for.
“We are beyond angry at ourselves and ashamed that our behaviour will have been hurtful to some of you who have supported our family for so long. We can only wish for your forgiveness.”
The couple then signed off wishing their followers a great New Year’s Eve and urging them to stay safe.
One former fan of the couple took to Instagram to post a screenshot of their statement, writing a caption above it which read: “I’m not sure why @elledarby claims she did her own reflecting and looked through her own socials.
“You were caught out and never would have owned up otherwise.”
Daily Star has contacted Elle’s rep for a comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
