The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue has spoken out about online trolls targeting his wife Anais Niang, who set up fake accounts to harass her and contact her family and friends
11:41, 28 Jun 2026Updated 11:50, 28 Jun 2026
Danny O’Donoghue with Anais Niang(Image: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for National Geographic)
Musician Danny O’Donoghue has disclosed that his wife has been targeted by anonymous online hate.
The Script frontman, hailing from Balinteer in Dublin, wed Anais Niang, an events manager originally from Brittany in France, in an intimate ceremony in England last year.
Despite Anais maintaining a low profile with minimal social media activity, Danny has now addressed the abuse she receives from faceless trolls.
He raised the issue during a conversation about social media algorithms with Australian pop culture commentator Smallzy.
Danny, 45, argued that social media platforms like X profit from conflict, deliberately drawing users into arguments within comments sections.
Danny O’Donoghue and Anais Niang married last year(Image: John Phillips/Getty Images for BBC Earth Launch)
He admitted he used to become “triggered” by it several years ago, going so far as to create burner accounts to defend himself online.
Discussing the UK’s introduction of an Australia-style under-16s social media ban, he described the initiative as “unbelievable”.
When asked how it had been received in the UK, where Danny now resides with his wife, he commented: “That is happening over here and it just so happens that Keir Starmer resigned yesterday but I think but that’s probably the best thing he’s done to push that through.
“Now, there are other safeguards that are happening to take away your anonymity online. I’m not an expert on it, but I have to say, there has to be some accountability somewhere along the way for there being completely anonymous hate.
“My wife is a victim of just fans, you know, anonymous hate.”
Smallyz interjected to clarify: “Directed at her?”
The pair met in lockdown(Image: Justin Goff/www.goffphotos.com)
Giving an insight, Danny replied: “Yeah, and they set up different accounts and say things and contact her family and friends and just do stuff.
“There’s only a certain amount of… if you approach any of these social media companies, they are like, ignore it, you know, you got to report it and stuff.”
Danny went on to reveal that his family never bargained for online abuse, and that even though he has developed a thick skin when vile comments come his way, his nearest and dearest still “100% get triggered” by it.
The star acknowledged it was particularly difficult for those closest to him, and explained that his new album, The User’s Guide to Being Human, explores the challenge of navigating today’s tech-driven world while holding onto one’s humanity.
Anais meanwhile is 32, and the pair first crossed paths in London during the pandemic.
Danny previously told the Irish Independent : “It’s funny because we spent longer together in lockdown than we did in real life,’ after going public with his relationship.”
He added to MailOnline: “We actually live in the same part of London, and up until now we’ve mainly just been hanging out at home. My mum loved her, and they offered her lots of tea.”
In a romantic gesture in August 2024, Danny popped the question in Norway, after the couple tackled a mountain hike together, with a breathtaking lake and waterfall providing the perfect backdrop.
Following their wedding ceremony, the couple shared with MailOnline : “We’re over the moon to be married and now we take the first steps on the journey of the rest of our lives together!”