Greek comedian Alexandros Tsouvelas has spoken out against aggressive public encounters and online threats, warning that violent digital abuse cannot simply be dismissed.
Speaking to the television programme Super Katerina, the performer addressed both the intrusive behaviour of some fans in person and the hostile messages sent to him on social media. He argued that hostile remarks telling someone to drop dead or attacking their appearance are direct threats rather than negative feedback.
Tsouvelas explained that society has suffered from a culture of brushing off bad behaviour as harmless. He maintained that internet users will soon be forced by law to accept greater responsibility for their speech, emphasizing that his decision to take legal steps was made for his own peace of mind rather than to represent anyone else.
Lawsuits and social media abuse
The comedian confirmed that abusive messages had decreased somewhat after he filed a lawsuit against a Facebook user. However, he noted that insults about his appearance still appear, adding that women often direct substantial venom at other women on digital networks, a trend he described as unbelievable.
Uncomfortable public encounters
Beyond online hostility, Tsouvelas described the awkward situations he faces when out in public with his partner, Eva Karydi. He explained that female fans regularly halt him to request photographs and routinely ask Karydi to take the picture for them.
One incident in particular left him deeply unsettled when a female fan approached and pressed her chest directly against his neck. The woman claimed she was seeking an encounter on behalf of her daughter, though Tsouvelas remarked that whether she actually had a child made no difference to the discomfort it caused.
Tsouvelas is widely known in Greece as a stand-up comedian and radio presenter, having built a large following through his live comedy tours, sports commentary, and character parodies. The morning show Super Katerina, which broadcast the interview, is one of the country's most watched entertainment programmes on Alpha TV.
Tsouvelas stressed that legal boundaries must tighten in the coming years so that internet users finally face consequences for violent conduct. He said that continuing to dismiss aggressive online behavior is no longer sustainable.
