The Australian community has come together to show their support for Carlton AFLW star Tayla Harris after disgusting comments were posted on an incredible photo of her taken by photographer Michael Willson.
The picture of Harris, who branded the trolls “animals”, was taken during her side’s final round match against the Western Bulldogs and attracted “inappropriate and offensive” comments.
“The comments I saw were sexual abuse, if you can call it that, because it was repulsive and it made me uncomfortable,” Harris told RSN radio on Wednesday. “That is what I would consider sexual abuse on social media.”
She also reposted the shot on her Instagram feed, writing “My hamstring is okay, but derogatory and sexist comments aren’t.” Her clapback attracted more than 14,000 likes and almost 800 comments and resulted in the hashtag #GoTaylaGotrending across social media.
Harris said that she felt uplifted by the support of the footy community.
“I’m feeling empowered this morning, because of the reaction that has come,” Harris said. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.”
Many took to social media to support Harris following the online abuse.
