Birmingham television personality Liberty Poole has bravely shared details of a deeply unsettling incident where she was followed back to her car by what she described as a 'predator'. The former Love Island contestant, who studied at Birmingham City University, revealed the experience has profoundly impacted her feelings about personal safety.
A Chilling Confirmation of Fears
The 26-year-old star, who worked at Nando's before finding fame on the ITV2 dating show, explained that the alarming encounter seemed to validate her existing anxieties. Liberty stated that the event confirmed her long-held fear that being a woman alone in public spaces can be inherently dangerous. She opened up about this worrying incident while discussing her broader struggles with anxiety and the challenge of doing things independently.
Speaking Out on Social Media
In a candid Instagram post, the former Dancing On Ice contestant wrote: 'Today I decided to live in the present not wait for the future that might not come or live in the past.' She continued with a harrowing account: 'I used to be scared to do things on my own and it didn’t help when I went to get a parcel and got followed back to my car by a predator which confirmed my fear of being out on your own as a woman in public dangerous.'
However, Liberty demonstrated remarkable resilience in her message, adding: 'However I don’t want to live in anxiety or fear anymore. I hope this is the start to enjoying my own company, solo dates and solo holidays.' She invited her followers to share solo date ideas, declaring this year as her 'year of growth'.
The Reality Behind the Public Persona
Liberty offered insight into the contrast between her public image and private reality, noting: 'You’d never expect this from someone so sociable and bubbly. But yes I do social media as a job and there’s events and it’s glam but another side to my life is I’m alone a lot too.' This revelation highlights the complex relationship between celebrity visibility and personal vulnerability.
From Love Island to Personal Empowerment
The Birmingham native first captured national attention in 2021 during her Love Island journey, where her early romance with Jake Cornish ultimately dissolved just three days before the final. Liberty has previously alluded to unaired tensions within the relationship, including complaints about her messiness and clothing choices.
Reflecting on that period, she emphasized her commitment to self-acceptance: 'I don't want to continue this feeling of not being happy or like I have to change myself for anyone. The thing is you have to love me for who I am or I'm just not the girl for you.' This philosophy of authenticity now extends to her approach to personal safety and independence following her frightening experience.
Liberty Poole's decision to share this traumatic incident represents a significant moment in ongoing conversations about women's safety in public spaces, particularly for those in the public eye who may face additional vulnerabilities despite their visible confidence.
