From boy band to boyish behaviour online.
Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has fuelled an intense backlash against Australian radio host Ash London after she joked that he had "ratty" facial hair.
After copping flack from furious fans, London - who hosts Ash London Live on the Hit Network - took to social media to apologise for talking smack with her fellow co-hosts. She also briefly turned her Twitter account to private to help stem the negative comments.
"We love Louis and we will continue supporting him and his new music as we have always done," she wrote.
Instead of taking the joke in his stride, Tomlinson - who was earlier this year arrested after an altercation with a photographer - decided to hit back.
"Probs best stay on private for a bit longer, love!" he tweeted at London, followed by the middle-finger emoji.
The comment fuelled the social media outrage even further. Although not as high profile as former bandmates Harry Styles or Zayn Malik, Tomlinson has more than 30 million Twitter followers and is a role model for millions of teenagers around the world.
Probs best to stay on private for a bit longer love ! ??? Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) December 12, 2017
In the wake of the abuse, London announced she is taking a break from social media.
"Tough day," she said. "A lot of people are claiming I said some things which, in reality, I simply didn't. What I can apologise for is describing the quality of someone's facial hair in a lighthearted chat with my two co-hosts. For that I'm sorry.
"The abuse and threats are a little much for me right now. I won't go on private [again] because I don't have anything to hide. In future I'll do what I always do - stick to the music and leave any mentions of facial hair out of it."
pic.twitter.com/mTKqzF0fhw??? ash london (@ash_london) December 12, 2017
