Twitter users confuse broadcaster with woman whose high court case means parliament must have say over EU exit

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

An American sports presenter named Gina Miller has become the victim of “vitriolic abuse” meant for her namesake, whose high court case ensured the government will have to consult parliament before starting Brexit negotiations.

The television presenter, who also works as a consultant, said she received a “large amount of hate-filled tweets” following the high court judges’ verdict on Thursday.

The US-based Miller posted some of the tweets on her Facebook page which showed Twitter users suggesting that she leave the UK and that she lock her doors. One said that they planned to burn her effigy on bonfire night. She was also accused of ruining British democracy.

Gina Miller (@TheGinaMiller) Again, to my new UK-friends: Wrong Gina Miller. It's @thatginamiller you want.

Appreciate all the engaging dialog, though. https://t.co/UCh5HlY64t

“A huge development in the Brexit movement today led by.... Gina Miller. Here’s the thing: it’s not me. Anyone who follows me knows I’m in no way smart enough to challenge the British government,” she wrote on Facebook.

The American Miller told the BBC: “I even had an email. In the subject box it said: ‘I hope you die, I sincerely hope you get cancer and die’,” adding: “It was absolutely vitriolic.”