‘It’s exploiting young boys’: Newcastle students criticise Bonnie Blue’s ‘barely legal’ tour

Despite the crowds of students seen surrounding Bonnie Blue during her visit to Newcastle, the reaction on campus last week was far from enthusiastic. By daylight, many students expressed anger at what they saw as a “predatory” natured stunt.

The timing of her visit, coinciding with the arrival of first year students on 14th September, was at the forefront of concerns. Lucy* told us:

“It’s really disgusting because of her history of ‘barely legal’ 18-year-olds that she likes to sleep with, especially because there’s going to be lots of 18-year-olds on campus because of Freshers’ Week.”

Another student, Mia* condemned both her behaviour and the way others appeared to encourage it:

“It’s quite predatory that she’s coming and obviously preying on 18-year-olds… It’s pretty gross that people are actually feeding into what she’s doing… I do not like it at all, I think it’s wrong.”

Ellie* echoed these concerns about the safety of freshers:

“It’s madness… she says she wants ‘barely legals,’ mad. It’s exploiting young boys.”

The fact her visit took place at night, during the busiest and most alcohol-drenched social period of the academic year, was also a point of concern. Lucy said:

“That’s when 18-year-olds are probably more vulnerable so it’s really inappropriate.”

Footage from the night shows students crowded around Bonnie Blue, taking selfies and having their t-shirts signed as she toured the streets of Newcastle.

Ruby*, who was present but chose not to approach her, described the night:

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“Everyone was getting their shirt signed, security was telling you not to go next to her if you did not want to be in the documentary. We didn’t go close… there was a big crowd around her but we didn’t want to be close.”

Even though Ruby claimed she didn’t observe Bonnie Blue engaging in sexual activity, the predatory atmosphere was nonetheless strong for many students due to her previous stunts which openly targeted 18-year-olds.

Students also questioned Bonnie Blue’s public platform. Ben* said:

“She’s not the best role model for people, I don’t think she should be going up and down campuses around the country… doing a tour and targeting maybe younger people.”

Ben and Mia also directed criticism at Newcastle University itself, arguing it had a duty to protect students.

“They have a responsibility to warn students, at the very least, but nothing has been done. I just think it’s totally wrong.”

“It’s not a good look for the university and it’s not the sort of image you want to portray to other universities about student life.”

A Newcastle University spokesperson said:

“We did not give permission for Bonnie Blue to be on campus and any photo on social media suggesting otherwise was taken from the public highway.

“We understand that her presence in the city was distressing for some members of our community and anyone affected can contact Wellbeing for support.”

Despite the many selfies and t-shirts signed, Bonnie Blue’s Freshers’ Week visit seems to have left many students with a sour taste. Her focus on vulnerable, young students just finding their feet at university has evoked discomfort in many, with students making it clear this was an environment where she was not welcome.

*Pseudonyms have been used for anonymity.

Bonnie Blue was contacted for comment

Featured image via Instagram @onlybonnieblue