Yahoo News Caroline Flack’s sister tells inquest that the press and public found hounding her ‘very entertaining’
Caroline Flack‘s twin sister, Jody, has said that the press and the public found hounding the late TV presenter “very entertaining”.
Jody’s statement was read in part by coroner Mary Hassell on Wednesday during the inquest into Flack’s death, which happened earlier this year.
The Love Island presenter was found dead in her London flat in February after having taken her own life aged 40.
In December 2019, Flack was arrested and charged with assault by beating after an alleged fight with her boyfriend, tennis player Lewis Burton.
On 23 December, she pleaded not guilty to assault at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court. A trial was due to take place on 4 March.
According to Jody’s statement, Flack attempted to take her own life the night before her first court appearance.
“I believe the shame ... was too much to deal with,” she said.
“She was called a ‘killer’ and an ‘abuser’ on the front of the newspapers.
“The press and the public found this a very entertaining angle, and was spiralling out of control.”
Jody continued: “Her life and reputation she worked hard to build was falling apart... because of a false accusation.
“It was our belief it would not be happening to her if she wasn’t in the public eye.”
Flack also seemed “very sad” the day before her death, Jody added.
“She seemed to have lost her fight.”
Flack’s mother, Chris, also shared a statement that was read at the inquest.
“Being well known should not allow special treatment, but should not allow making an example of someone,” she said.
Some of Flack’s close friends appeared via videolink to give evidence, including Molly Grosberg, who described the broadcaster as “very loving”.
“She wasn’t like a typical celebrity, you would feel very comfortable around her,” she added.
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