Comedian Al Porter has told how he contemplated ending it all after he was axed from his TV job following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Tallaght funnyman, 26, took to Twitter overnight to reveal that at his lowest ebb, he considered "permanent solutions to temporary darkness".
In a series of late night tweets the comic posted after receiving a negative comment on Twitter, Al said that his life "isn't over" and that he is continuing to learn and evolve as a person.
He wrote: "Thank you to those who have privately and publicly contacted me over the last year and a half.
"I am not a victim of anything, to be clear. I am someone who needed to learn, listen and change.
"But times have been inconceivably dark. Sometimes it’s like my life is over before it began."
Referring to his time away from the limelight following the allegations, which led to him standing down from his radio and TV hosting gigs in 2017, Al said he would never give up.
He wrote: "But 'cancelled' or not. I cannot end my life. And though I’ve considered permanent solutions to temporary darkness, I know there is a future.
"One where I can prove good people can make mistakes and still be good people. I have so much to contribute. And I will. Never stop trying X."
Fans were quick to send messages of support to the star, with many telling him they hope to see him back on stage soon.
One follower tweeted: "Al, you definitely deserve a second chance and are most definitely a good person. So many people want to see you back & wish you nothing but the best."
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Another wrote: "Always remember Al that 'every saint has a past and every sinner a future'. In these times we live judgement comes all too quick and forgiveness too slow, I hope you're back soon take care of yourself."
In an earlier tweet responding to a troll, Al had said: "Does quietly, respectfully going about your life count as "crazy"?"
"Sometimes it would seem, at 26, I'm not even entitled to privately address my shortcomings and make myself the best person I can be.
"I've taken time to listen and be as honest and decent as I can be.
"What's the point?"
Al continued: "Despite nonsense comments like this, I'll continue to learn, evolve, challenge my imperfections and channel my virtues. Otherwise what's the point? I'm 26. My life isn't over surely?"
"Being the best person you can be is a lifelong pursuit. It's not crazy to be young & grow. Its life."
Another fan responded to the comedian, tweeting: "You are far too talented a human being to waste away."
