M&S ads and other top brands ‘placed next to self-harm images’ on Instagram — which was ‘blamed for Molly Russell’s suicide’
Theresa May has threatened a crackdown on social media giants after the tragic death of Molly Russell, 14
ADVERTS for M&S and other leading brands have been placed next to self-harm images on Instagram — which has been blamed over the suicide of Molly Russell, 14.
Theresa May has threatened a crackdown. Adverts for the retail giant and footwear chain Dune were found by a BBC investigation alongside a number of disturbing images.
The Post Office and British Heart Foundation were also caught up in the storm.
It came as the father of schoolgirl Molly Russell accused Instagram of helping to kill her after she viewed pictures celebrating self-harm and suicide on the photo sharing site.
M&S and the others were unaware their ads were next to the distressing content.
PM Theresa May threatened a legal crackdown on Instagram.
An official spokesman said the site and others had to “step up and do more” after the horror surrounding 14-year-old Molly’s death emerged.
He said: “I would say this is a tragic case and our thoughts are with the family and friends.
“Social media platforms have a responsibility to regulate content. We rule nothing out.”
Molly was found dead in 2017 — and father Ian subsequently discovered she had viewed the self-harm images.
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One account featured an image of a blindfolded girl with caption: “This world is so cruel, I don’t wanna see it any more.”
Ian said: “I have no doubt that Instagram helped kill my daughter.”
TOP BRANDS IN AD STORM
M&S said it would “seek additional assurances from Instagram” and Dune said it was saddened by the issue.
The Post Office and British Heart Foundation also said they would ask the web giant to act.
Facebook, which owns Instagram, last night said it was “deeply sorry”.
It said it “works hard” to remove disturbing content.
The Sun Says: Web swamp
SO much for Instagram being a wholesome answer to Facebook or that cesspit, Twitter.
Sick self-harm pictures on the site triggered 14-year-old Molly Russell’s suicide, according to her dad Ian.
The Government has talked tough about purging dangerous web content.
But given that social media giants seem incapable of doing it, when will it act?
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit ’s website.