'To be hated by him is a compliment' - Social media users defend Bambie Thug from Andrew Tate

Former kickboxer and controversial influencer Andrew Tate has branded Ireland's Eurovision entry Bambie Thug as "stupid" and "a loser" in an online tirade. 

Tate - who is charged with human trafficking and rape, and is awaiting trial in Romania - made the comments in response to an old photo of Bambie Thug (who uses they/them pronouns), where they are pictured without their signature theatrical makeup. 

The photo was captioned, "What happened to Bambie Thug?" to which Tate commented, "On a desperate bid for originality, overestimating her own intellect - she found herself down a rabbithole of psyops.

"Probably believes she's actually helping the world in some way. 'ART!' 'Expression!' Add in some drugs? Done. She's a loser, and too stupid to see it." 

Although followers of Tate agreed with his comment, others - particularly Irish social media users - disagreed. 

One X (formerly Twitter) user stated, "You know you're on the right side when this tool criticises you." 

Another commented, "Does anyone take him seriously? No man would. He must be so insecure in himself considering how he treats people. Sad, ignorant and lack of empathy." 

A Facebook commenter wrote, "With his track record, to be hated by him is a compliment." 

Another called him "a misogynistic pig". 

Bambie Thug achieved sixth place in the Eurovision Song Contest, Ireland's best result in the competition in almost three decades. 

Their song 'Doomsday Blue' has racked up almost 8 million hits on Spotify and they are booked to perform at the Mighty Hoopla festival in London this June. 

Bambie has not responded to Tate's comments, and has spent several days posting art made by fans on their Instagram page.