Greg James and Bella Mackie have hit back at a comment that chastised Mackie for talking about her new book just a few days after the couple’s dog Barney died.
James , 40, shared the sad news in an Instagram post earlier this week and said Barney was put to sleep “at home in the garden in the sunshine”, adding that they were “floored” by his death.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter also asked fans not to send too many messages, “particularly for Bella” as they mourn.
But amid the couple’s grief came a bright spot in the form of Mackie, 43, receiving her first review for her forthcoming book, Claws Out.
She shared a photo of herself holding her new book with the caption: “Some very welcome good news at a very sad time. Thank you @timesculture. CLAWS OUT! in TWO WEEKS!”
But a disapproving fan berated Mackie in a comment on the happy post and said: “Too soon before your pup died!”
Mackie hit back and said simply: “F*** you.”
James added: “Our grief and how we deal with it is absolutely nothing to do with you. Or more simply put, what Bella just said.”
The couple’s fans also defended them against the commenter, with many pointing out that Mackie has to promote her book as part of her contract and suggested they delete the comment.
“She’s literally crying in her Story talking about it,” one person wrote. “People still have to work and get on with life too. Even if it’s s***ty.”
Another said: “I imagine Bella already knows this since she’s the one having to deal with [Barney] being gone. She is still contractually obligated to do her job, as unfair as it is I’m sure she’d much rather be off all socials since people and comments like this aren’t making it any better! BOO TO YOU!”
A third added: “Oh bore off, absolutely zero need to comment this (ever) and as we all know, sometimes commitments can’t be broken. You nasty piece of work.”
In his post about Barney, James wrote: “I’m sorry to bring such horrible news but we had to put our lovely Barn to sleep earlier today.
“I can’t really get my head around it. But he was peaceful, we were with him at home in the garden in the sunshine and I can’t stop crying.
“I know how loved this unbelievably daft farty brilliant dog was and I adored sharing him with everyone on here but I hope you understand why comments are off and can I just ask you to not pile in with DMs particularly for Bella for a bit please.
“We’re completely floored by it and i can’t believe our little mate has gone and it’s very real and very raw and just so f***ing sad. He was the best. Lots of love.”
The couple adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019. He was treated by Supervet star Professor Noel Fitzpatrick on several occasions for arthritis.
