7 hours ago
Dr Ranj Singh Speaks Out on Anxiety After ‘Horrific’ Online Trolling by Disgraced GP
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Dr Ranj Singh, a well-known medical professional and advocate within the LGBTQ+ community, has spoken candidly about the severe impact of online harassment on his mental health. The harassment, which began in 2022 and continued through 2025, was perpetrated by Dr David Cartland, a former GP who has since been struck off the UK medical register for serious professional misconduct. Dr Ranj, who is openly gay and a visible figure in both healthcare and media, described the online attacks as “horrific” and said they have left him suffering from anxiety and requiring therapy .
Dr Ranj, widely recognized for his roles on television and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and public health—including vocal support for the Covid-19 vaccine—became a frequent target of Dr Cartland’s vitriolic online posts. Cartland’s attacks were not limited to professional disagreements but included personal smears and unfounded accusations, one of which outrageously insinuated on social platform X that Dr Ranj supported paedophiles. Dr Ranj has publicly stated, “The impact on me was extremely upsetting and damaging. I now suffer from anxiety and am seeing a therapist due to the abhorrent things Dr Cartland said about me. My reputation is everything. This has been a horrific experience” .
The online abuse eventually led Dr Ranj to file a defamation lawsuit against Cartland in 2024, a case that ended in settlement. Dr Ranj also reported Cartland to the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC tribunal found that Cartland had harassed three doctors and a practice manager between 2022 and 2025. The tribunal concluded that Cartland posed an ongoing risk, ultimately removing him from the medical register .
Dr Ranj’s experience highlights the particular vulnerability faced by LGBTQ+ professionals in the public eye, who are often subjected to online abuse that intersects with both their professional work and their identities. The intersection of homophobia, misinformation, and personal attacks has made social media an especially hostile environment for many, with devastating personal consequences.
As a prominent LGBTQ+ figure, Dr Ranj has used his platform to support inclusive public health messaging and foster a sense of community among marginalized groups. However, he has also become a lightning rod for those opposed to such advocacy. The recent campaign of harassment centered not only on his medical advice but also on his identity and visibility as a gay man. This case underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and support systems for LGBTQ+ individuals facing targeted online abuse .
Following the tribunal’s verdict, Dr Ranj expressed relief but also emphasized the ongoing toll of the ordeal. On social media, he thanked supporters for their solidarity and shared that he continues to prioritize his mental health. Dr Ranj’s openness about his anxiety and therapy serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of digital harassment, and his decision to speak out is being lauded by LGBTQ+ advocates as an act of courage and leadership .
LGBTQ+ organizations have rallied around Dr Ranj, calling for greater accountability for online platforms and more robust mental health resources for those affected by harassment. Many in the community see Dr Ranj’s experience as emblematic of wider issues, including the weaponization of online spaces against marginalized voices and the importance of safeguarding both public figures and everyday users.
As Dr Ranj continues to heal and advocate, his story stands as a stark call to action for social media companies, professional bodies, and allies to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can participate in public life without fear of abuse or retribution.
