Stephen Bear, 32, the well-known winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2016, has been found guilty of sharing a private sex tape involving reality star Georgia Harrison. The footage was secretly recorded in Bear’s garden in Essex and later surfaced on the subscription platform OnlyFans, causing widespread outrage.
Bear, who is from Loughton, Essex, denied charges of voyeurism and two counts of sharing private sexual images with the intent to cause distress. However, the jury delivered unanimous guilty verdicts on the two counts related to disclosing private sexual material and a 10-2 majority verdict on the voyeurism charge.
Georgia Harrison, 27, known for her appearances on The Only Way Is Essex, Love Island, and Olivia Meets Her Match, stated that she was unaware the CCTV was recording. Prosecutor Jacqueline Carey KC explained that Harrison had made it clear to Bear she did not want the footage shared and had warned him against sending it to anyone.
Harrison said, “Bear’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. I hope my standing up gives other victims the courage to seek justice and shows them they have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s been absolutely hell.” She added, “I’ve felt ashamed, hurt, violated, and even broken. But today I feel empowered and grateful for everyone who has supported me.”
The court heard that Bear either uploaded the video himself or had it posted on OnlyFans, profiting from the footage. Despite his claims that he deleted the video in August 2020 and did not share it further, messages revealed he sent the video to others via WhatsApp.
Stephen Bear is currently out on bail and is due to return to court for sentencing on January 31, once a report has been prepared. This case sends a strong message that revenge porn will not be tolerated.
Originally published by UKNIP.
