Friend says Tess Crosley endures ‘endless harassment’ over Lachie Neale marriage split
A personal friend of a woman embroiled in the break-up of AFL star Lachie Neale and his wife has described the intense harassment she has faced.
The mother embroiled in the marriage breakdown of an AFL star has faced “unconscionable” abuse and harassment since being thrust into the public eye, a publicist claims.
Tess Crosley has found herself the subject of intense media speculation after being linked with the marriage breakdown of Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale and his wife, Jules Neale.
But now, a publicist with a personal link to Ms Crosley has described the emotional toll the new-found status is having on her, alleging she has faced endless harassment at the hands of the media.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a post published on LinkedIn – and shared with media outlets – Lyall Mercer called for focus to now be moved away from Ms Crosley.
He wrote: “I do not represent Tess Crosley or her family in an official capacity, and I am not being paid by any party. I simply know Tess on a personal level and have seen the effects of recent media coverage on her.
“More than three months ago, the news broke of a social media post from Jules Neal about her marriage, which put the spotlight not only on her family but on Tess.
“No one except those concerned know the details or facts behind what was said.
“Yet since that time, Tess has endured endless media coverage of her personal life that has resulted in ongoing social media vitriol, threats to her safety, and invasive public commentary.”
Mr Mercer, who has worked as a public relations strategist for MPs, sailor Laura Dekker and faith leaders, added that his friend was aware of and supported his message.
“This has – and continues to take – a significant emotional toll on her wellbeing and, by extension of that, her family,” he said.
“Tess is not a public figure and it is unconscionable that photographers paid by media outlets have followed her for more than three months as she goes about her daily life at home, visiting the gym, shopping and even driving from Brisbane to the Gold Coast while visiting her family.
“There is no public interest in pictures of her on the beach with her son or dropping off her son to his father.
“Each media article is not only a gross invasion of her privacy but a trigger for more personal hatred and threats towards her on social media, leaving her more vulnerable.”
Mr Mercer added that he believed the coverage had “crossed the line into harassment and bullying”.
Originally published as Friend says Tess Crosley endures ‘endless harassment’ over Lachie Neale marriage split
