Former tennis champion Jelena Dokic has refused to name and shame a vile troll who attacked her online.
The 40-year-old was accused of being a “hypocrite” and called “morbidly obese” in the vile post, which she shared with fans on her Instagram on Sunday.
Jelena posted a video to Instagram on Monday thanking her followers for their support before explaining why she decided not to expose the hater – even though many fans thought she should have.
“I don’t want to show the record and names as much as we are sometimes tempted to do,” she began.
‘I want what I do to come from a place of kindness. “I want to be gracious and kind and do it with dignity,” she continued.
Former tennis champion Jelena Dokic has refused to name and shame a vile troll who attacked her online
The 40-year-old was accused of being a “hypocrite” and called “morbidly obese” in the vile post, which she shared with fans on her Instagram on Sunday
“I know if I publish their names they will get bad press and I don’t want anyone else to be bullied or abused regardless of what they have said, even if they did it to me.
“I hope you understand that,” she told her fans.
Jelena, a former teen tennis player who escaped abuse at age 19 and is now an outspoken advocate for victims of domestic violence, was attacked by the troll for her role as ambassador of the slimming brand Healthy Trim
“You are so ignorant and rude. You think you’re amazing but you’re nothing,” the troll Jelena posted.
“You are morbidly obese and promote diet culture but also claim to be happy in your body,” they continued.
“Either way, you’re a hypocrite who promotes kindness but promotes products that are cruel to animals. Just because you were a victim doesn’t make you a great person,” the troll ranted.
“I mean, what do you do all day except sell your sob story?”
Jelena posted a video to Instagram on Monday thanking her followers for their support before explaining why she decided not to expose the hater – even though many fans thought she should have.
“You’re so ignorant and rude – you think you’re amazing but you’re nothing,” troll Jelena posted
Jelena responded: “When people ask me why I fight against trolls and where does that fight come from??”
“Well, here it is. Here. Comments like this,” she continued.
‘This is why I do what I do and why I fight for kindness and against trolls, bullies and online abusers.
“This comment and this person speak for themselves. Just absolutely disgusting. I can’t even think of horrible comments like this, let alone send them to anyone.”
Elsewhere in the comment, Jelena said that at a size 16 she was not ‘morbidly obese’ and was happy with her body. She added that the product she is promoting does not harm animals.
Fans and followers were quick to offer Jelena support for her video response.
“You are one classy lady, we are still in awe of you Jelena, amazing xxx,” one fan posted.
‘I couldn’t love that more, Jelena! Really practice what you preach xxx,” another added.
Jelena (pictured in 2011) rose to fame as a teenage professional tennis player
Jelena said that at a size 16 she was not “morbidly obese” and was happy with her body
‘We need more Jelena Dokic’s in this world! Your strength is amazing, you are a pure inspiration,” said one follower.
Last month, Jelena opened up to Stellar magazine about her years-long struggle with an eating disorder.
The tennis star revealed that she struggled with her relationship with food for years due to the trauma she experienced growing up.
She said much of her disordered eating stemmed from the abuse she suffered from her father and his weaponization of food when she was just a teenager.
