Benjamin Biolay: his daughter Anna has been the target of “absolute horrors”
French singer-songwriter Benjamin Biolay has opened up about the struggles his teenage daughter, Anna, has faced due to online bullying.
Speaking in an interview with MSN, Biolay revealed that Anna has been the target of “absolute horrors” on social media since the age of 14.
“It’s very complicated to see my daughter being insulted and denigrated on the internet,” he said. “We have very little control over it. She received a lot of nasty comments, sometimes even death threats.”
Biolay spoke of the toll it has taken on Anna’s mental health, saying, “It left her extremely anxious and has led to depression. It’s very difficult for a young person to handle this type of attack.”
The musician, who has been vocal about his views on cyberbullying in the past, emphasized the need for more education and awareness around the issue.
“We need to understand that words have weight and can cause immense harm,” he said. “We need to teach children that what they say online can have real-world consequences.”
Biolay also called on social media platforms to do more to combat online harassment, stating, “They have the power to prevent these types of attacks, and we need to hold them accountable for their actions.”
Despite the challenges his family has faced, Biolay remains optimistic about the future and is looking forward to creating music that speaks to the emotions of young people.
“In my music, I want to create a space where people can express their feelings and find comfort and validation,” he said. “I want to create a positive message that inspires and empowers young people to embrace who they are and stand up against hate.”
Biolay’s message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and empathy in our online interactions. Let us all strive to be better allies to those who have been hurt by cyberbullying and work towards a safer, more compassionate internet for all.