HE has been abused, threatened and forced into hiding, but the man wrongly accused of being ­behind the now infamous drunken Mitchell Pearce video says: “I don’t know jack.”

Jack Warwick was named by several media outlets, including Channel 7 News, as the man behind the grainy camera phone footage of an intoxicated Pearce in an eastern Sydney apartment on Tuesday night.

It has since emerged Warwick, 24, was not involved in the incident and was mistaken for another man, also named Jack, who is believed to have sold the footage of Pearce simulating sex with a dog to a media agency for $25,000.

media_camera An image taken from footage of NSW Origin and Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce at a house where he simulated sex with a poodle-cross. Picture: DiiMEX

Warwick is believed to have a tenuous link to the matter via a female friend who is thought to live in the building where the incident occurred.

Warwick refused to speak publicly yesterday, but issued a statement saying: “I have not met Mitchell Pearce, I was not present at the party when Mr Pearce was filmed, I deny filming Mr Pearce performing the act, I deny sending any of the subject text messages or participating in any sale of the subject video file.

“I have appointed a legal team who will be handling the matter from here on and will defend the claim and allegations made against me in their entirety.”

media_camera One of the texts circulating after the Mitchell Pearce incident.

His lawyer Mark Petrucco, of litigators Hall and Wilcox, also declined to comment, however a friend claimed Warwick, an employee of Doughnut Time in Bondi Beach, was forced to delete all of his social media accounts and relocate from his home after receiving numerous threats.

media_camera Mitchell Pearce leaves his house in Cremorne on Friday. Picture: Adam Yip

His address and mobile phone number were published online by a Pearce supporter. “Get your pitchforks ready, we leave at midnight,” read one post naming Warwick.

Another posted on Facebook read: “That is the dog who gave up Pearce. He has gone in hiding. They reckon he already left Bondi.

“Anybody know him or his whereabouts? The hunt is on. Share this post and let’s find him!”

It is understood Warwick has begun defamation proceedings against Channel 7 and Fairfax Media.

A friend confirms he has fears for his life after the mix-up. “It has been embarrassing and humiliating and there are real concerns for his wellbeing,” said the close friend who asked not to be named.

media_camera The Roosters crew enjoy the Australia Day party on the harbour in an image from Mitchell Pearce's Instagram page.

“Some of the messages he has received have been incredibly ­intimidatory and aggressive.”

Pearce, meanwhile, flew out of Sydney with his mother Terri late on Friday to an undisclosed rehabilitation facility in the US to seek treatment for alcohol abuse.

The Origin halfback had earlier made an emotional statement ­admitting his drinking problem and apologising for his lewd behaviour, which included trying to kiss a woman before simulating a sex act with her dog.

The incident was caught on video after alcohol-fuelled Australia Day celebrations by the Roosters.

Pearce’s playing future remains unclear. He has been stood down by the Roosters and the NRL Integrity Unit is investigating.