Advertisement

Taio Cruz quits TikTok after experiencing 'suicidal thoughts'

Taio Cruz performs on stage during Radio City Summer Live 2015 at Echo Arena on July 18, 2015 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Ollie Millington/Redferns)
Taio Cruz performs on stage during Radio City Summer Live 2015 at Echo Arena on July 18, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ollie Millington/Redferns)

Singer Taio Cruz has deleted his TikTok account, explaining he was coming away from the app after experiencing "suicidal thoughts".

The star detailed his reasons for quitting the video sharing platform on Instagram in a now-deleted post as he said he had been targeted by "hateful, mocking videos".

After thanking fans for supportive messages, he said: "I'm DEFINITELY NOT going back to TikTok anytime soon. My body was shaking and I had suicidal thoughts."

Read more: Selena Gomez ‘proud’ of kidney transplant scar

The 40-year-old went on: "Some users posted hateful, mocking videos which spurred a feedback loop of negativity, where more and more people began to join in on the mockery and hate. My intention was to make some fun videos and interact with my fans, but some, whom I won't mention, were averse to that.

Taio Cruz accepts the Hot 100 Song of the Year award onstage during the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 22, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for ABC)
Taio Cruz accepts the Hot 100 Song of the Year award onstage during the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 22, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for ABC)

"For my own mental health, I would rather be where I'm welcomed, for now, TikTok is not that place. Social media shouldn't be like this, sadly it is."

The BBC reports Cruz joined TikTok earlier this week, gaining 85,000 followers before deleting his account on Wednesday. The BBC also states the producer had received messages accusing of him of being "irrelevant" and "begging for clout".

TikTok have said the matter is under investigation with their Trust and Safety Team.

Cruz, who was born Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere, released his first album Departure in 2008 earning himself a MOBO nomination.

Taio Cruz and David Guetta at The MTV European Music Awards 2011, The Odyssey Arena, Belfast.
Taio Cruz and David Guetta at The MTV European Music Awards 2011, The Odyssey Arena, Belfast.

The following year his second album Rokstarr spawned two number one singles Break Your Heart and Dynamite.

Read more: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas celebrate their birthdays

As a songwriter he's also received a Brit Award for Best British Song with Your Game, which was sung by Will Young.

Cruz has also written for a number of other artists including Jennifer Lopez, David Guetta and Cheryl.

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Watch: Gabrielle Union opens up on attending therapy sessions