Stephen Bunting has revealed that online trolls have targeted his young son during the World Darts Championship, speaking out on the hurt it has caused his family.
The Bullet had a disappointing trip to Alexandra Palace this year, falling at the third round in a shock defeat to James Hurrell on Saturday.
He had looked good in his previous victories and was speaking very confidently about his chances of winning the world title and his immense support.
After his first round win over Sebastian Bialecki, Bunting said: ‘I’m Stephen Bunting. I’m the People’s Champion.
‘The crowd’s been unbelievable to me over the past two or three years. I believe I’ve got the best fan base in darts. I’ve got the best social media in darts. The only thing I’m lacking is the World Championship and it’s coming this year.’
The 40-year-old certainly is a popular player, but his comments split opinion and defending champion Luke Littler even had a pop at Bunting after his defeat to Hurrell.
Bunting says he and his family were aware of the ‘negative comments’ aimed at him, but it was the abuse targeted at his son Toby that was really painful.
He wrote on X of his family: ‘They see the negative comments and do their best to make sure I don’t see them and even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online which really is hurtful for us as a family.
‘Toby is one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet and I’ll be doing a lot more social stuff with him this coming year.’
Adding in a message to his fans, the Bullet wrote: ‘There have been many negative comments but the positive far outweighs them and deafens the noise they try to make.’
Stephen Bunting’s message in full
‘Hi guys. Sorry I’ve had a few days away from my socials but I just needed a small bit of time after my game to recover and rest. Losing any game is never easy, but losing in the World Championship always hurts more. Massive congratulations to James Hurrell who played a fantastic match and I wish him all the very best for the rest of the tournament. I tried my best and although some of my finishing was on point, I just couldn’t find my true scoring game but that’s darts for you.
‘I wanted to come on and say thank you to all the fans and the support which has been very overwhelming from you guys. Not only in the venue for the Worlds but all over my socials with messages of support and love. You guys really are my inspiration and you help to pick me up whilst I’m down in any situation. You’re a massive reason why I keep trying to give 110% in every aspect of what I do whether that’s playing on the stage or doing any type of my media work. There have been many negative comments but the positive far outweighs them and deafens the noise they try to make. xxx
‘I want to thank my family who also put a lot of commitment in behind the scenes, not really seeing me as much as I would like and I’ve found that the most difficult this year but they know I do all this for them. I love my family so much and they give me massive motivation to continue this journey. I still believe I have a lot to give darts over the rest of my career and I want to make them forever proud. They see the negative comments and do their best to make sure I don’t see them and even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online which really is hurtful for us as a family. Toby is one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet and I’ll be doing a lot more social stuff with him this coming year xxxxx
‘I want to thank my management and sponsors for another great season. Your support means the world to me and you guys make me doing what I do worthwhile, enjoyable and easy to do xx
‘Lastly I wanted to wish you all a happy new year and hope you all have a wonderful 2026.
‘Let’s go Bunting mental into 2026 and I love you all
‘Bullet
‘xxxxx’
