Jay Slater’s mother was deeply influenced by a dark conspiracy theory regarding her son that circulated online while he was missing. Debbie Duncan disclosed this distressing revelation in a recent Channel 4 documentary titled The Disappearance of Jay Slater, which delved into the mysteries surrounding the 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire.
Before the discovery of Jay’s body in Tenerife on July 15, various wild conspiracy theories proliferated on social media platforms, including speculations tied to a GoFundMe campaign that had been initiated.
Debbie recounted how the situation escalated due to a GoFundMe set up by Jay’s friend Lucy. Initially skeptical of the need for such fundraising, Debbie expressed her concerns as the donations surged uncontrollably. Misguided theories began circulating, suggesting Jay’s involvement in drug-related issues and even alleging his abduction to remote mountains.
Struggling with uncertainty and fear for her son’s safety, Debbie faced additional distress when a troll sent a menacing message after her arrival in Tenerife. Despite the closure brought by the discovery of Jay’s body near Masca weeks after his disappearance, online trolls continued to spread falsehoods, with some even accusing Debbie of harming her own son.
In the aftermath, Debbie, alongside her Member of Parliament Sarah Smith, is advocating for legislative measures to shield families from unwarranted online conspiracies. The documentary’s director, Annaliese Edwards, expressed shock at the extent of baseless accusations and harassment faced by Jay’s family, emphasizing the urgent need to address such harmful online behaviors.
The documentary shed light on the toll these unfounded theories took on Jay’s loved ones, underscoring the urgent necessity to combat online misinformation and protect vulnerable families from malicious online attacks.