Zara McDermott says she's ‘taking a step back' from ‘negative' social media amid Sam Thompson online abuse

Find out what Zara will be focusing on instead
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ZARA McDermott is taking a hiatus from social media to focus on making a new documentary about family violence.
The former Love Island star announced her break from socials just days after ex Sam Thompson came face to face with her new boyfriend, Louis Tomlinson.
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Zara McDermott is taking a break from social medi
Credit: Getty
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It comes days after her ex Sam Thompson (L) ran into her new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson during a training session ahead of Soccer Aid 2025
Credit: Getty
She split from Made In Chelsea star, Sam, earlier this year after five years together and was spotted with the One Direction singer in March.
Zara took to her Instagram stories to update her fans and explain why she was stepping away from social media for a short while.
"I also just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who messaged me with regards to the story I posted the other day," she began.
"If you didn't see it; I spoke about developing my next documentary and how I've been thinking of how to create a project about domestic abuse, coercive control and tech abuse."
Zara revealed she had received thousands of message from people who had stories to share and she was still going through them.
"But I wanted to say the biggest thank you ever. It's so nice speaking to you all because I've definitely taken a bit of a step back from socials to focus on my documentaries and other work just focusing on being more present recently," she explained.
The TV star added: "Social media feels quite heavy and a negative space sometimes... so to be able to feel like we can work together to do something super positive is a great feeling. thank you again. forever grateful to all of you who continue to support the work i do. it really means SO much."
Her post comes just days after Sam and Louis came face to face while representing England in the charity football match, Soccer Aid.
The pair had already crossed paths on the training pitch last week, prior to Sam pulling out of the game due to injury and later attended the same pre-game dinner.
Both men looked relaxed this evening as they milled around their hotel with fellow squad members.
Zara has already ruled herself out of attending the star-studded match.
Sam presented a video of his charity work in Guatemala to both sets of players, something he found much more nerve-racking than meeting Louis.
He said: 'I did a small talk in front of everyone, which was terrifying, and I maintain I think it's the most important thing I've done in my 32 years of life.
'I really do believe that. Getting to go to Guatemala to see what UNICEF do on the ground is just life-changing.'

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