Four months after relocating to Devon and launching a career as a TikTok influencer, former television presenter Michael Barrymore is reportedly facing challenges to his new life. Some local residents and business owners have expressed displeasure at being featured in his social media videos without their consent. Additionally, Barrymore's online followers have reportedly begun to scrutinize and troll him over the scandal that previously derailed his career.
Barrymore, once a prominent figure on British television, has been largely unemployable for 25 years since the death of Stuart Lubbock at a party at his home in 2001. Lubbock was found dead in Barrymore's swimming pool with injuries that were deemed consistent with sexual assault. No charges have ever been filed in connection with the death, and Barrymore has consistently denied any involvement.
His pivot to social media aimed to create a new audience and draw a line under the past. Barrymore began posting daily videos showcasing his life in Devon, visiting local shops, and walking his dog. He has also utilized 'smart glasses' with built-in cameras during his interactions. Many of these videos, featuring conversations with shop staff and participation in TikTok trends, have garnered millions of views, contributing to his income through TikTok's creator fund.
However, some local business owners have voiced concerns about being filmed without permission. One shop owner told the Daily Mail that Barrymore and his cameraman were unwelcome, stating, "He came in here with a guy filming him expecting us to be blown away by his presence but that's really not what Kingsbridge is about." Another owner expressed that while Barrymore is open, "some shopkeepers do find the social media stuff a bit much but didn't feel they could say, 'Don't film me'." Media experts have pointed out that filming and posting images of individuals without their consent can be legally problematic, potentially hindering Barrymore's plans.
More significantly, the resurfacing of the Stuart Lubbock case on his platform has become a concern. The entertainer has recently reported other TikTok accounts to the Metropolitan Police and hired solicitors to address individuals who blame him for Lubbock's death. In a video last month, Barrymore addressed what he called "misinformation" surrounding the case, refuting allegations of domestic abuse and of being friends with Jimmy Savile. He stated, "There's been a lot of misinformation about the tragic death of Stuart Lubbock, and I simply cannot allow it to carry on." Barrymore reiterated his long-standing denial of any involvement in Lubbock's death, asserting, "There is no evidence that connects me or anybody else at my house to the death of Stuart Lubbock, and there never will be, because it's fictional and it's made up."
Another unintended consequence of Barrymore's prolific online content is the public disclosure of his address. Since moving in late February, he has shared videos that reveal his location, including a "house tour" and footage of local school children gathering at his home. This has led to instances of fans traveling to his doorstep. In one encounter, a YouTuber visited Barrymore's home, performing a puppet show and presenting him with gifts, which Barrymore posted online. This event prompted concerns from viewers about the normalcy of such visits and calls for Barrymore to increase his home security.
Barrymore's monetized content on platforms like TikTok can generate income through views, with estimates suggesting between $400 and $1,000 per million views for videos longer than one minute. Despite the potential earnings, the recent events suggest that Barrymore's attempt at a new public persona is encountering significant obstacles.