Rachel Riley 'moved to tears' over support in fighting back at anti-semitic trolls

Countdown’s Rachel Riley has said she was moved to tears after her friend, comedian Katherine Ryan, offered public support to her in fighting back against anti-semitic online trolls.

Riley has been targeted by racists after she spoke out against the Labour Party and leader Jeremy Corbyn for failing to address the issue of anti-semitism among his supporters.

Read more: Rachel Riley to get extra security after online abuse

She even revealed that security at the Countdown studio has been increased following online threats towards her.

Yesterday, Ryan tweeted that she had been shocked and disgusted at the abuse Riley has received.

Riley then replied: “Literally just burst into tears reading that. Thanks Katherine.”

Recently the hashtag #BoycottRachelRiley has begun trending because she has spoken out.

Comedian and writer David Baddiel has also weighed in.

Riley told The Times: “The more I speak, the more abuse I get, and the more abuse I get, the more I speak.

“It’s got to the point where I can’t look at my Twitter feed any more… it’s just a constant stream.”

In January this year, Riley told Channel 4 News that she believed Corbyn’s actions and his failure to address anti-semitism among Labour supporters has ‘given a voice to holocaust denial’.

“He has shared an event on holocaust memorial day, called Never Again From Auschwitz to Gaza. He has shared platforms with terrorists,” she said.

Read more: Rachel Riley tells George Galloway to ‘f**k off’

“The debate about who’s a terrorist comes up but they’re classified as a terrorist by the US by the UK by the EU.

“He’s sharing platforms with these people, he’s giving a legitimate voice to holocaust denial.

“Surely you can have compassion and fight for the Palestinian cause without sharing your bed with holocaust deniers and virulent anti-Semites.”