Operation Transformation expert says trolls have caused him 'great personal stress'

The popular lifestyle programme was heavily criticised this year after Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, slammed the show for airing material that people with eating disorders would find distressing.

Clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy said that he has never received so many malicious emails in his 12 years on the show and spoke of how the backlash has been affecting both his personal and professional life.

Releasing a lengthy statement on Twitter, he said: “This year’s Operation Transformation was full of great joy and great personal stress.

“Great joy as we supported five inspirational leaders, and through them members of the public on areas of physical, emotional and mental health.

“For 12 years I have tried to destigmatise mental health issues and tried to be solution focused offering a witnessing to what a helping conversation with a psychologist/counsellor would look like so as to demystify it and encourage others to take that step.

“Trolling: This was my 12th season and never before have l experienced such trolling,” Dr Murphy continued.

“As well as myself receiving many unwarranted malicious emails and direct messages, my professional body was tagged.

“I work as a professional clinical psychologist within the ethical Guidelines of Psychological Society of Ireland, such tagging can threaten my professional reputation and threatens my ability to earn a living for me and my family through trolling/cancel culture.

“I work as a professional clinical psychologist within the ethical guidelines of Psychological Society of Ireland, such tagging can threaten my professional reputation and threatens my ability to earn a living for me and my family through trolling/cancel culture.”

Dr Murphy said that he would be taking time to focus on his own mental health now that Operation Transformation has wrapped up for the year.

He said: “Advocacy: For over 20 years I have proud record of advocating for mental health services and services users for all type of mental health and disability services for children and adults.

“This advocacy will continue, and part of this is speaking out about this trolling which has taken a professional and personal toll and has been harmful to my wellbeing.

“I have come public with this now as the OT leaders are in the aftercare program. I will not be engaging in further debate on this as I focus on my own self-care and wellbeing.”