Teenager arrested in connection with rape threat message allegedly targeting Cheryl
Police have confirmed that a 17-year-old from Tunbridge Wells has been arrested in connection with a rape threat message aimed at singer Cheryl Cole.
It was reported last month that X-Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary had received a sexually threatening answer phone message on his mobile targeting Cheryl Cole. O’Leary alerted the police to the message which allegedly threatens the 26-year-old singer, and a full investigation was launched.
The X-Factor judge is said to be aware of the incident, but has not listened to the voicemail.
A police spokesperson said a teenager has been arrested “on suspicion of malicious communication” but has since been released on bail.
Dermot O’Leary joined the X-Factor team as a presenter a year before Cheryl Cole was appointed as judge. The Geordie beauty is said to be in talks to join the US version of the show, American Idol.
Cheryl has successfully mentored the winner of the X-Factor in her two seasons on the show championing Alexandra Burke in 2008, and Joe McElderry in 2009.
The Girls Aloud singer recently announced a split from her husband, the footballer Ashley Cole, after tabloids reports emerged claiming the Chelsea player had cheated on his wife with a string of women.
