City
Epaper

Peter Andre contemplated suicide after racial abuse

By IANS | Updated: September 2, 2019 11:35 IST

Singer Peter Andre said he contemplated taking his own life while suffering years of horrific abuse at the hands of racist bullies, who were both his peers and even a teacher.

Open in App

"The Mysterious Girl" hitmaker was born in London to Greek-Cypriot parents, but moved to Australia at a young age. When he started school Down Under, he met with a barrage of vile racist abuse, reports mirror.co.uk.

"Did I ever contemplate ending it? Yeah. In that period of time, yeah," the 46-year-old singer said.

Looking at one of his childhood image, Andre recollectd: "This moment here was actually in England, 'cause I was born in England. I actually moved to Australia this year (when the photograph was taken).

"This face, from a smile, and sort of excitement, turned very sad very quickly," the singer said recalling his continuous abuse for a longtime.

"When you're a kid with dark hair, dark eyes, strong English accent, much bigger nose than the kids around you,...I was an outcast like you wouldn't believe. I mean, I couldn't have stuck out more."

The singer said that the term "wog" was used in Australia for Greeks, for Ital, people from the Mediterranean.

Andre was also physically attacked by his peers who beat him up for liking football. He talked about his horrible experience at primary school, where children tied him up and "took turns in throwing stones" at him.

"They were laughing and calling me a greasy wog, and I mean it was horrific. I was really, really scared, I was petrified."

He was also racially abused by a teacher at the school. Andre said that he instantly knew he "was finished" then, as he had both children and teachers picking on him.

When he was 13, he was still being bullied, but he found a passion for music. He had a vision that he'd be on stage one day performing. His confidence grew as he entered talent competitions and started attending martial arts classes.

"Bullying is a horrible thing. It really is horrible. On every level. Unfortunately it happens. It's been going on for generations," Andre said in the #Back2School campaign.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: AndreaustraliaenglandLondon
Open in App

Related Stories

OpinionsWhy Remember Kohinoor amid Bloodshed?

InternationalLondon Terror Attack: Two Jewish Men Stabbed in Golders Green, Suspect Arrested

InternationalAustralia Plane Crash: 2 Killed, 11 Injured After Into Hangar at Parafield Airport in Adelaide

InternationalIndian Man Accused of Raping Woman Passenger Sitting Next to Him on Australia-Bound Flight

InternationalAliens in Australia? Senator Ralph Babet Claims ‘Alien-Human Hybrids’ Living Among Humans

Entertainment Realted Stories

EntertainmentOrry says he is ‘a reality show virgin’ ahead of KKK 15, says it's his retirement’

EntertainmentSalman Khan assures he is not lonely, says sometimes his social battery runs out

Entertainment"It's rare, and it's beautiful": Shweta Tripathi on returning to stage with husband Chaitnya Sharma for 'External Affairs'

Entertainment'Harry Potter' series to cast new actor for Ginny Weasley after child artist quits, citing "unforeseen circumstances"

EntertainmentVijay Varma thanks fans for making 'Matka King' a successful show