Gareth Gates has said that three ladies verbally abused him aboard the P&O cruise ship he is working on in the Caribbean.
In a recent social media video, the 39-year-old musician described his ordeal, telling followers that the trio of passengers made fun of his stutter.
Gareth, who just won Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, informed his Instagram followers that the middle-aged women were singing David Bowie’s song Changes when he was nearby.
They ultimately started saying ‘G-G-G-Gareth Gates’ when he was near, according to the celebrity.
The Bradford-born singer, who rose to stardom on the TV talent programme Pop Idol, was tormented at school because of his stutter, and after recording four number one songs in 2002 and 2003, he hosted the BBC Three documentary series Stop My Stutter.
‘Every time we’ve gone out on our balcony, it’s been continual verbal abuse,’ Gareth said in his latest video.
‘They started [with] the song Changes by David Bowie and it progressed on to G-G-G-Gareth Gates. It’s gotten worse and worse.’
Gareth went on: ‘I’m more than used to this and can handle it and at first, I was like “Let’s just leave it” but three days is relentless. It was three girls in that cabin, the same age as my mum.’
P&O had been ‘wonderful’ about the matter, according to the musician, and had moved his stateroom.
In addition, he claimed that his girlfriend, actress Alanna Taylor, challenged the ladies.
‘I could hardly head round there myself as it was three women,’ said Gareth, adding: ‘So my other half said “Look, I’ve had enough of this” and went round and politely asked them to stop and it actually worked.’
Gareth said that he was sharing the post to spread compassion.
He captioned his clip: ‘Stand up to bullying’ and was inundated with support from both his fans and famous pals.
He concluded: ‘If you are those three women in cabin 8206 on my ship then shame on you, we’ve heard your conversations.
‘You obviously have kids and grandkids so what kind of example are you letting to your children? Let’s stand up to bullying.’
Beneath Gareth’s video, Danielle Lloyd wrote: ‘Shame on them Gareth you’re so strong and an amazing person. Sadly in life there will always be people who are unhappy with themselves and have to try to bring others down!!! Raise above it my darling.’
‘Some people feel the need to do this to take the attention away from how sad they are!!! Glad your partner said something. Enjoy the rest of your holiday pal,’ added Will Mellor.
Becky Hill commented: ‘Fair play to ur lady for politely going round & asking them to stop… i wouldn’t have been so nice [sic].’
