Emotional moment breakfast radio presenter fights back tears as he reveals abusive relationship with violent ex
James Barr co-hosts the Breakfast Show on Hits Radio, alongside Fleur East and Will Best.
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The presenter and comedian has discussed previously being in an abusive relationship.
He opened up while appearing as a guest on Jeremy Vine 's BBC Radio 2 show.
James shared: "There were times where he would put his hands around my throat, if I made a snarky comment about something stupid.
"Or, there were times where we would get into political conversations that would trigger him. That would make him angry.
"There was a time where I was hit so hard, I was pushed at the top of the stairs.
"Luckily, I managed to hold a banister. But, there's a lot of different occasions like that."
He continued: "At first, you just ignore these.
"You just think, 'Well, this isn't abuse. This is just a mistake.
"He's just a bit upset. He's just a bit angry, I get it.
"And it's not really about me and he didn't mean to.
Shock moment BBC Radio 2 drops off air as building evacuated in fire panic
"Actually, this can't possibly be domestic abuse. Because, well, I'm a man and it "doesn't happen to men"'.
"I'm a gay man and I've never heard of it happening to a gay man before.
"And genuinely Jeremy, this will surprise you. I thought I was too sexy and funny on the receiving end of [domestic abuse]."
Writing online, one fan penned: "I listened to this earlier whilst driving, compelling listening, what an horrendous thing to happen to you & incredibly brave to talk openly about it. Best wishes."
Domestic abuse - how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night
Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244
Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
Another added:" Really important and powerful to give the topic of LGBTQIA+ domestic abuse a major platform.
"You are helping people James."
James, Fleur and Greg Burns were announced as the new hosts of the Hit Radio Breakfast Show back in June 2019.
Earlier this year, it was announced Big Brother star Will Best would be joining James and Fleur as a new co-host.
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