Former television presenter Michael Barrymore's attempt to rebuild his career as a TikTok influencer in Devon is encountering significant hurdles. Four months after relocating from London and launching his digital content creation venture, Barrymore is facing backlash from some of his new neighbours who are protesting their inclusion in his social media videos. Simultaneously, his online followers are reportedly discovering and commenting on the controversial past that derailed his television career.
Barrymore, once a prominent figure in British television, saw his career effectively end 25 years ago following the death of Stuart Lubbock at a party at his Essex home. Lubbock was found dead in Barrymore's swimming pool with injuries that were later deemed consistent with sexual assault. While no one has ever been charged, and Barrymore has consistently denied any involvement, the scandal has shadowed him for decades. His move to TikTok was seen as an effort to connect with a new audience and draw a line under the past.
His content typically features him exploring his new life in the West Country, visiting local businesses, and walking his dog. He often uses smart glasses equipped with a camera to film his interactions. These videos, which have garnered millions of views and earned him income through TikTok's creator fund, have led to some local shopkeepers expressing their displeasure at being filmed without explicit consent. One shop owner told the Daily Mail that Barrymore seemed surprised when asked not to film inside his establishment, adding that the presenter's presence felt out of sync with the local community.
Media experts note that filming and posting images of individuals without their knowledge or consent can be problematic, potentially impacting Barrymore's ability to monetize his content and his relationships with local businesses.
More concerning for Barrymore is the resurgence of online discussion surrounding the Stuart Lubbock case. He has reportedly taken legal steps and reported other TikTok accounts to the Metropolitan Police over what he describes as misinformation and false accusations. In a video addressing the issue, Barrymore refuted claims of domestic abuse and alleged friendships with figures like Jimmy Savile, reiterating his long-standing denial of any connection to Lubbock's death.
Barrymore's relocation and subsequent online presence have also led to his home address becoming widely known. He has posted videos, including a 'house tour,' that clearly identify his residence, attracting fans who have travelled to his home. One notable encounter involved a YouTuber visiting Barrymore's home unannounced, performing a puppet show, and presenting him with gifts. This incident, documented in a video Barrymore himself posted, raised concerns among viewers about his safety and privacy, with some advising him to increase home security.
Barrymore's efforts to establish himself as a content creator are complicated by these dual challenges: managing the privacy expectations of his new community and confronting the enduring public scrutiny of his past, all while navigating the financial realities of online platforms that can pay creators between approximately $0.40 and $1 per 1,000 views for videos longer than a minute.