More about: Years & Years

Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander has admitted that he now goes online much less than before, due to increasing 'rape threats' and homophobic abuse. 

The 'Shine', 'King' and 'Eyes Shut' stars are currently in the midst of a huge UK arena tour - having penned a moving open letter on sexuality while releasing their new video for 'Desire'. 

Now, Alexander has revealed that he's been the victim of much online abuse.  

"I get trolled," he tells this week's NME. "The usual stuff – sometimes it's homophobic, like gay hate. But I don't understand why people '@' me on Twitter to say 'Olly Alexander can't sing' or 'Olly Alexander, you're ugly as fuck'.

"If we've been on TV I don't go on Twitter for a while after. I get some people who are really gross and make rape jokes about me.

He added: "It's f**ked up. That's why I can't read too much anymore because I don't need to be seeing that shit."

 Speaking of his openness around his mental health struggles, and support of the LGBTQ community, he revealed: "There was just this stage where I realised that people were listening to what I was saying and I could actually say something I believe in and, like… why wasn't I doing that?"

"It's not because I think I have a responsibility as a popstar or whatever; it's because I think I have a responsibility as a human being. I care more about that than trying to maintain a distance or keep any kind of mystique going as an artist."

Years & Years end their massive UK tour with a huge show at London's Wembley Arena on Friday 8 April.  For tickets and more information, click here.

More about: Years & Years