Online Bullying Rachel Roy Rachael Ray
Rachel Roy, left, is a fashion designer who allegedly had an affair with Jay-Z who is married to Beyonce. Rachael Ray, right, is a celebrity chef with a food-laden Instagram account.

Indignant and fiercely protective Beyoncé fans lashed out via social media at famed TV chef Rachael Ray, mistaking her for Jay-Z’s alleged mistress, fashion designer Rachel Roy. The chaotic name mix-up began after Beyoncé’s Lemonade flooded the scene on April 23 and the Internet became rife with speculation over who “Betsy with the good hair” is in the song “Sorry”. When reports suggested that it was Roy, a fashion designer linked to last year’s elevator incident, the popstar’s loyal followers took to Instagram to air their displeasure – only that they got the wrong Rachel/Rachael.

They posted scathing comments on Ray’s Instagram photos, threatening to never watch her show again and calling her names like “ugly” and “a slut”, when all she did was post pictures of a delicious slow-cooked pulled beef burger and her adorable 11-year-old pitbull. This is not to say that it would have been any better had they hunted down the ‘right’ Rachel’s social media pages, but that this event highlights the damaging effects of bad fact-checking and the herd mentality. It’s also important to note that the affair is mere rumour and Roy has vehemently denied being the other woman, if there even is one.

While many of us may (thankfully) never experience the level of online abuse and name-calling that both women are facing, there may be instances when we or someone we love encounter nasty behaviour on the web.

Here’s what to do if you ever find yourself a victim of cyber-bullying:

  1. Ignore it. Even if you feel like retaliating, giving the cold shoulder puts you in the upper hand, and the bully might eventually tire out.
  2. Change your privacy settings. Make your social media accounts private, blocking the bully out so only those you know and trust can see your future posts.
  3. Talk to someone you trust. Don’t suffer in silence, get support or advice from a loved one.
  4. Keep evidence. Save electronic copies/screenshots of any emails or communications that can be used as incriminating proof in case things get worse.
  5. Call the police. In worst case scenarios, or if you feel that your life is in danger, inform the authorities as soon as possible.
  6. Don’t believe them. For your own emotional and psychological health, bear in mind that you are not what they say you are.

Related: How To Be A Strong Woman By Beyonce

Photos: @rachel_roy on Instagram and TPGNews