It completely transformed my online life.
By on March 13, 2026
Katie Baskerville shares an extract from her book “Beyond Belief: A Defence of Gossip and the Women Who Do It.”
Tattle Life is an online forum for negative gossip about public figures, from A-listers to micro influencers, promoting slut-shaming, victim-blaming, and body-shaming. Despite claims of moderation, its anonymous nature obscures the user base’s gender. A moderator once described it as a commentary site for public business social media accounts, enabling critiques of individuals monetizing their personal lives.
Lauren (a pseudonym) encountered Tattle Life as a UK influencer, noting the site’s personal attacks affected her mental health, work, and self-perception. Over time, she adjusted her content to avoid negative comments, though this contradicted her resilience against online trolling.
The Guardian labeled Tattle Life a “troll’s paradise,” linked to cyberbullying. Research indicates the community claims femininity to minimize harm, offer moral justification, and present themselves as victims. Previously thought to be by women, for women, it was revealed in 2025 that the site was founded by Sebastian Bond under a false female identity.
In a defamation case by Neil and Donna Sands against Tattle Life, anonymity couldn’t shield accountability, winning them £300,000 in damages and revealing Bond’s identity.
This extract is from Katie Baskerville’s “Beyond Belief: A Defence of Gossip and the Women Who Do It.”
Katie Baskerville is a freelance writer covering sex, health, and LGBTQIA+ culture from Bristol, UK. Find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.