The sexual abuse campaigner and former reality star Georgia Harrison has told the BBC she is "honoured" to be receiving an MBE. Harrison, 30, will be awarded for her efforts to tackle violence against women and girls, which includes working with the government on the Online Safety Act in 2023. She says she feels "a responsibility to help" the many women who are victims of crimes such as intimate image abuse and deepfaking. Her ex-partner Stephen Bearwas jailed for 21 monthsin 2023 after uploading sexual footage of himself and Harrison to OnlyFans filmed without her consent. Harrison, who is being awarded her MBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours, said she had to re-read the letter she received from King Charles "three times" as she "just couldn't believe it". "It's definitely not something I anticipated and it feels nice to have my work recognised because with campaigning sometimes you feel like a lot goes unnoticed," she told the BBC. The former reality star appeared on ITV shows such as The Only Way is Essex in 2017 and Love Island in 2018, where she entered the villa as a bombshell and gained nationwide fame. It was during 2019 that she entered MTV's The Challenge, where she met fellow reality star Bear. The pair dated on and off for a few months, with Harrison discovering in December 2020 that the now 35-year-old Bear had uploaded intimate CCTV footage of them to streaming service OnlyFans without her consent. She subsequently reported the crime and Bear was sentenced after being found guilty of voyeurism and discussing private, sexual photographs and films. Harrison was thenawarded compensationin a damages claim and said she would donate some of the £207,900 to charity. She says she often feels a "responsibility to help" as she worries about the increase of social media influencers fuelling misogyny and sexism. Harrison, who is currently expecting her first child, said: "I'd be scared to have a teenager right now, being completely honest, I really would be terrified". "We've seen with the rise of Andrew Tate and some men thinking the thing to do with women is to mistreat them and think they can do what they want with them," she said. She added she feels the need to let women know, "they deserve to be treated fairly, they deserve consent and the right to their own bodies". Arecent poll of teachers in the UKfound three in five believe social media use has had a negative effect on behaviour in schools - with Tate being named as a reason by a number of teachers in the poll. Harrison says she has been into some schools recently to watch consent workshops with primary school age children, describing them as "brilliant". She hopes that these type of lessons will have an impact for the next generation. "I'd like to think by the time my child gets to the age where consent becomes an issue, things are going to be a lot better, because we are doing something to educate around consent and that's something that's never really been done before in this generation," she added. Harrison says "on a positive note" women have told her case and "the strength you found" has encouraged them to take their perpetrators to court for causes of rape, domestic abuse and intimate image abuse. Since Bear's conviction in 2022, she has campaigned to increase the support for women and girls who have faced similar crimes to her by working on the Online Safety Act and aspart of the Women and Equalities Committee. She says she has been working with the committee onimproving timescales for womenwho want to report crimes against them - as currently they only have six months after a crime has taken place to tell the police about it. "It took me about four months to even realise a crime had been committed to me when it happened so its scary to think, had I been notified a few months later, I may not have had the right to justice. "It should be a lot easier for women out there," she added. Harrison says she has also been receiving more and more messages from victims of deepfakes, which are videos, pictures or audio clips made with AI to look or sound real. There have been recentconcerns about schoolchildrenusing apps to distribute AI-generated deepfake content, despite the practice being illegal. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) - a UK-based charity partly funded by tech firms - said in February there had been 245 reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse in 2024 compared with 51 in 2023, a 380% increase. "I think [deepfake] technology is getting a lot more impressive and easier to access," Harrison said. Earlier this year, the government announcedlaws to tackle the threat of child sexual abuse images being generated by AI, which include making it illegal to possess, create, or distribute AI tools designed to create such material.
Love Island’s Georgia Harrison: 'I re-read my MBE letter three times'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Georgia Harrison Honored with MBE for Advocacy Against Violence Towards Women"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Georgia Harrison, a former reality star and sexual abuse campaigner, expressed her deep honor in receiving an MBE for her advocacy against violence towards women and girls. At 30 years old, Harrison's recognition comes as a result of her significant contributions, particularly her collaboration with the government on the Online Safety Act in 2023. She feels a profound responsibility to assist women who endure various forms of abuse, including intimate image misuse and deepfakes. Harrison's personal experience with abuse became public when her ex-partner, Stephen Bear, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for sharing intimate footage of them without her consent. This traumatic experience has propelled her into activism, aiming to ensure that such violations are addressed and that victims receive the support they need in a society that often overlooks their plight. She remarked on the surprise of receiving her MBE, admitting that she had to read King Charles's letter multiple times to fully grasp the honor bestowed upon her.
Harrison's advocacy extends beyond her personal experience, as she actively engages in educating the younger generation about consent and respect. She has visited schools to observe workshops aimed at teaching primary school children about these crucial topics. Harrison has voiced her concerns about the influence of social media and figures like Andrew Tate, who she believes propagate harmful attitudes towards women. In light of rising issues related to deepfake technology, she has been receiving increasing reports from victims affected by AI-generated content. The Internet Watch Foundation has reported a significant rise in cases of AI-generated child sexual abuse, underscoring the urgency of addressing this modern challenge. Harrison's efforts have also included advocating for changes in reporting timelines for crimes, emphasizing that the current six-month window can be a barrier to justice for victims. With her impending motherhood, she expresses hope that future generations will benefit from improved education on consent and respect, making the world safer for her child and others.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Georgia Harrison's recent recognition with an MBE for her advocacy work against violence towards women and girls. It captures her journey from a reality TV star to a significant voice in social issues, particularly in relation to her personal experiences with abuse and exploitation. This recognition not only honors her contributions but also raises awareness about important societal issues.
Intent Behind the Publication
The coverage aims to celebrate Harrison's achievements and promote discussions around the ongoing issues of violence against women and the importance of online safety. By emphasizing her personal story and advocacy, the article seeks to inspire others and highlight the significance of addressing these societal problems.
Public Perception and Impact
This news may foster a sense of empowerment among victims of abuse and raise awareness about the complexities of consent in the digital age. By sharing Harrison's experience, the article encourages public discourse on the need for stronger protections against online exploitation and misogyny, potentially mobilizing support for legislative changes.
Potential Omitted Details
While the article focuses on Harrison’s achievements and personal struggles, it does not delve deeply into the broader context of systemic issues surrounding violence against women or the implications of her advocacy on a national scale. There may be an intention to keep the narrative centered on her personal journey rather than exploring wider societal failures.
Manipulative Aspects
There is a modest manipulative aspect in the framing of the story that positions Harrison as a hero and a beacon of hope. This can be seen as a strategic move to shift the focus from systemic issues to individual stories, which may detract from the collective responsibility society has in combatting these issues.
Truthfulness of the Article
The article appears to be credible, as it references specific events, such as Harrison's recognition and the legal actions taken against her ex-partner. However, the narrative may simplify complex issues surrounding abuse and online safety, focusing on individual heroism rather than systemic change.
Societal Implications
The recognition of Harrison could influence social attitudes toward violence against women, possibly leading to increased advocacy and political action. It may encourage more individuals to come forward with their stories, thereby creating a ripple effect in the broader social consciousness.
Target Audience
This article is likely to resonate with various communities, including feminist groups, advocates for women's rights, and individuals affected by similar issues. It appeals to those who support initiatives aimed at preventing abuse and promoting online safety.
Economic and Market Impact
While the direct economic implications of this news are limited, it could influence social media companies and policymakers as they consider the ramifications of online safety legislation. Companies that deal with user-generated content may face increased scrutiny and pressure to implement stronger safeguards.
Global Context
The issues discussed in the article are relevant to ongoing global conversations about women's rights and digital safety. Harrison's recognition aligns with the growing movement advocating for better protections for vulnerable populations in the digital age.
Use of AI in the Article
It’s uncertain whether AI was used in writing this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have guided the narrative structure or emphasized specific emotional elements to enhance engagement. The choice of language and focus on personal stories could be influenced by AI-driven content strategies aimed at maximizing audience connection.
Overall, the article presents a significant recognition of Georgia Harrison while intertwining critical social issues. However, it should be viewed with a critical lens to understand the broader implications and potential narratives at play.