Two Brisbane businesswomen and opinion writers have spoken out against the escalating online abuse they have faced, highlighting a troubling trend of gendered harassment in digital spaces. The women, Nadia Tucker and Stevie Angel, who run a small swimwear business catering to women up to size 26, have endured persistent and often sexually explicit attacks after posting promotional content featuring Ms. Angel modeling their products.
The abuse intensified following a social media video in which Ms. Tucker condemned a vulgar comment targeting Ms. Angel. The incident attracted increased hostility from men frequenting so-called "manosphere" online spaces—platforms known for promoting toxic masculinity and normalizing aggressive conduct toward women. These spaces often portray women as manipulative or inferior, and at times advocate for their use and degradation.
Both women, mothers of teenage sons, described feeling scrutinized, threatened, and at times genuinely fearful as the barrage of derogatory messages continued over several months. Aside from sexually explicit comments, they reportedly received messages urging violence and containing misogynistic slurs. The volume and intensity of the abuse forced the small business to hire a full-time staff member to manage the negative impact, a significant expense for a company with a total of four part-time employees. Ms. Tucker noted that the content algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Instagram are now attracting "the wrong kind of eyeballs," drawing more harassing users to their pages.
The issue of online harassment against women in professional and public roles is reflected in recent findings from Australia’s eSafety Commission. Commissioner Julie Inman Grant likened the digital world to "a gladiatorial arena," where women face escalating abuse that is often "sexualised, violent and includes rape threats." She emphasized that attacks frequently target a woman’s age, appearance, weight, virtue, and fertility, with the primary intent of silencing their voices and driving them off online platforms. While men also experience vilification, the nature and volume of abuse directed at women are notably severe.
Research indicates that one in three Australian women experience online harassment in work-related contexts, often resulting in career setbacks and self-censorship on sensitive subjects. Ms. Tucker, despite facing threats and personal attacks—including derogatory remarks from a man awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia—stated her determination not to be intimidated and to continue expressing her views publicly.
Experts point to figures such as British influencer Andrew Tate as emblematic of manosphere culture. Mr. Tate, currently facing multiple criminal charges, has been prominent in promoting misogynistic attitudes. The existence of such figures and communities contributes to an environment where gender-based aggression online is normalized and often unchallenged.
As more women in business and opinion journalism report similar experiences, there is growing concern about the broader societal implications and the need for effective measures to curb abusive behavior in digital public spheres.