Radio 1 host Greg James and his wife, author Bella Mackie, have publicly responded to criticism following the death of their dog, Barney. The couple addressed a "deranged" critic who accused Mackie of being "too soon" in sharing promotional content for her new book, "Claws Out!," shortly after announcing Barney's passing.
James announced the death of their dog on Monday, sharing that he "can't stop crying" and would be absent from his radio show. Mackie, whose book is set for release on August 27, also shared her grief. However, on Thursday, she posted a celebratory message on Instagram about the first review of her book, calling it "very welcome good news at a very sad time."
When a follower commented, "Too soon before your pup died!!," Mackie responded with "F**k you." James echoed her sentiment, stating, "our grief and how we deal with it is absolutely nothing to do with you. Or more simply put, what Bella just said."
Mackie later shared the exchange on her Instagram Stories, describing the critic's message as providing an "odd moment of dark comedy."
Fans of the couple largely defended their actions, with many pointing out that Mackie was obligated to promote her book and that her Instagram stories showed her genuine distress. Some comments highlighted that Mackie had previously indicated she would need to continue promotional work despite her grief.
Barney, a dog adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019, was a frequent presence on both James's and Mackie's social media and was even the subject of a recurring segment on James's Radio 1 show called "Barney, Are You There?!" The couple had previously shared their joy in helping Barney, who had been anxious when they first met him, learn to trust humans again.
Greg James's colleagues on Radio 1 sent their support, with fill-in host Charlie Hedges sending a "massive hug" to James and acknowledging the outpouring of supportive messages from listeners.