Katie Piper supported by ITV stars as she slams shocking message from troll

ITV stars have rallied around Katie Piper after she called out a troll who made a vile comment about her appearance.

The Loose Women presenter and activist suffered a horrific acid attack in 2008 that left her with severe facial injuries.

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The attack, orchestrated by her ex boyfriend, caused significant damage to her face and eyesight, and she continues to need medical treatment and operations to ease the pains caused by scar tissue.

Katie, 41, addressed her followers on Sunday afternoon, having opened her Instagram that morning to the nasty message.

The troll asked, “where is your nose?” to which she responded that her nose was being pulled into her face by thick scar tissue, causing her horrible pain.

The troll then suggested that she should jump from a window.

Katie shared the exchange in a post on Instagram, admitting comments like this can set her back.

She said: “After completing my run this morning, feeling already depleted because of my bad time, I opened my phone to this.

“I can handle most things, but sometimes it adds to an already heavy load you are carrying.

“You never know how people are feeling, what they’re going through, how their days are and even if you did, the only person we’re judging because of this comment, is you.

“I wouldn’t usually call this out so personally, but this is beyond anything even I can handle. This behaviour should always be called out, people need to do better.”

Dozens shared their horror at the message and support for Katie, with Coleen Nolan, Ranvir Singh, Adil Ray and Denise Welch among the first to post in the comments.

Coleen said: “Oh god Katie this is so so vile ! I think these kind of people have no life , no friends and would prefer hate towards them then nothing at all.

“I’m trying to feel sorry for this sad individual but I’m finding it really difficult.. you on the other hand are one of the most beautiful individuals I’ve ever met. Never let anyone dull your shine.”

Adil said: “Sending you love and strength Katie.

“Yes do call this out, but please don’t let this horrid negativity occupy your mind.

“You’re an absolute inspiration to all of us, in so many ways. You have taught us bravery and tenacity. Keep going, keep smiling and keep being beautiful inside and out.”

And Ranvir wrote back: “It’s exhausting calling people out on inexcusable behaviour and sometimes it feels easier to say nothing but sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand – look after your energy today my love – you’re a total one-off and loved hugely x x”

Denise Welch said: “I’m literally speechless. It like Col says is because they’d rather have negative attention than non. Many so called journalists are the same.”

Katie was 24 and an aspiring presenter starting out her career with promotional modelling gigs and jobs on digital TV, when she was attacked by an obsessive ex who had arranged for another man to throw sulphuric acid at her.

She told The Sun she was lucky to have survived, but there was an agonising road to recovery ahead to rebuild her face and her life – her injuries have required more than 400 operations since that day.

For the first two years following the attack, Katie had to wear a clear plastic mask on her face.

In the years since she has blazed a trail, pushing for greater diversity in public life and the TV industry.

She went on to make two further personal documentaries with Channel 4, wrote her autobiography, a series of self-development books, as well as newspaper and magazine columns, plus took on public speaking engagements and set up the Katie Piper Foundation, which provides support for burns survivors.