CYBERNATS have taken to social media to ridicule David Bowie just hours after his death – suggesting that “unionism gives you cancer” and saying that he should “f*** off back to Mars”.
During the lead up to the independence referendum Bowie was an outspoken supporter of the Better Together campaign.
In a Brit award acceptance speech in February 2014 the Ziggy Stardust star finished by saying: “Scotland, stay with us.”
The statement prompted a strong backlash at the time from online campaigners for the yes campaign – who took issue with the London-born star speaking out.
But with the announcement of the star’s death yesterday (MON) morning, cybernats took the opportunity to troll Bowie’s grieving fans and promote their own cause.
Nationalist Shelley Detlefsen wrote on her public Facebook page: “They say he got diagnosed 18 months ago. Maybe unionism gives you cancer?”
Yes supporter John Harvey from Dundee also posted: “Rip Bowie I telt (told) you not to get involved in politics ya no voting c*** womble…Bowie was a self serving tax dodging c*** who poked his nose into others affairs…good riddance.”
Another nationalist told him to “f*** off back to Mars” and another wrote “What’s up with Bowie now? More of his expert opinions on Scottish independence?”
Another – using the name “Grouse Beater” – added: “Bowie’s zillions didn’t guarantee a long life.
“Why do multi-millionaires feel compelled to tell Scotland to remain servile?”
Another anonymous user added: “‘Stay with us Scotland’ said Bowie last year and yet now he’s the one who’s left.”
Another called “Johnny Scotland” linked to an article reporting on Bowie’s speech at the Brits, commenting “Bowie dead…Meh!”
And Scott Gordon – appearing to be from Dundee – added: “Suppose we will never know how Bowie felt about the big EU vote.
“Don’t know what I’ll vote now.”
Other Twitter users were quick to condemn the nationalist tweets.
Sam Moreton tweeted: “Bigots and Scum. But I expect no different.
“Always an icon and a legend. RIP.”
Another, named Angela, said: “The ugly face of nationalism. #snp should be ashamed, this is their doing.”
Craig Thomas branded the trolls “filth”.
And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also left a respectful message on her Twitter page in tribute to the star.
It read: “What dreadful news about David Bowie. A hero for so much more than just one day.”
Later on in the day she paid further respects by Tweeting a link to his infamous Space Oddity song, writing: “I think this is my favourite – always made me cry when I was wee. Having much the same effect today.”
An SNP insider said: “Cybernats are a massive headache for the SNP.
“They loved them at first because it helped them control discussions on social media but now they tend to embarrass the party on a regular basis.
“Seniors are fuming at what could be another potential opportunity to associate the SNP with their vile behaviour.”
