Lauren Fryer, long-time partner of Arsenal and England footballer Declan Rice, has found herself unwillingly at the center of a storm of online abuse. Despite living a relatively private life, Lauren’s relationship with one of football’s biggest stars has drawn public attention and, sadly, targeted criticism.
Who is Lauren Fryer?
Lauren Fryer, 25, hails from the same town as Declan Rice and has been his partner since 2016, when they met during their school years. Over the years, the couple has maintained a strong bond, welcoming a son together in 2022. Rice even paid tribute to their child with a tattoo featuring the name “Jude” and the child’s birth date, August 7, along with a Leo zodiac symbol, etched on his arm during a West Ham United match.
Despite her close connection to a high-profile athlete, Lauren has chosen a private lifestyle, keeping herself largely out of the media spotlight and refraining from becoming a typical “WAG” figure. While she occasionally attended football events to support Rice, Lauren’s preference has always been to keep her personal life low-key.
Online Trolling and Social Media Backlash
Recently, Lauren became the target of relentless online trolling. The abuse led her to wipe her Instagram account of all posts, even though she has kept her profile public. This step came after months of vile comments criticizing her appearance and questioning why Rice, a football star, is with his childhood sweetheart instead of a celebrity figure.
Adding fuel to the fire, a fake press conference clip circulated online, falsely portraying Rice addressing why he chose Lauren over “glamour models and pop stars.” Though the video was fabricated, it intensified the bullying and harassment, forcing Lauren to withdraw further from public view.
Support From the Football Community
The backlash against Lauren prompted a wave of support from football fans, celebrities, and fellow WAGs. Dani Dyer, the fiancée of West Ham player Jarrod Bowen, publicly defended Lauren, highlighting how difficult it is for women who are thrust into public scrutiny without seeking fame themselves. In an interview with Fabulous magazine, Dani remarked, “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there. She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.”
Reality star Liberty Poole also weighed in, criticizing unrealistic beauty standards and urging change across social media platforms.
Fan Reactions
Declan Rice fans took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the trolling. Many described Lauren as a “beautiful young woman” and lambasted the toxic culture of cyberbullying.
One supporter wrote, “Lauren Fryer you are the most beautiful woman on earth. Declan Rice is lucky to have you… all power to you.” Another added, “I honestly worry about the mindset of some people. This is Lauren Fryer, the girlfriend of Declan Rice, who has suffered so much online abuse recently. A beautiful woman, a couple in love, with a young family. Some within this world need to get a grip.”
In December 2023, an anonymous troll accused Declan of having “low standards,” further igniting anger among fans. The account responsible was suspended after receiving heavy backlash.
Relationship Timeline
Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer have been romantically involved since they were both 17. Their relationship, spanning nearly a decade, is rooted in their shared history and deep connection. Unlike many high-profile couples, Rice and Fryer prefer to keep their private lives away from public scrutiny.
Although Lauren does not regularly feature on Declan’s social media or attend media-heavy events, their relationship has remained steadfast. In August 2022, Rice’s tattoo publicly confirmed the birth of their son, Jude, solidifying their family bond.
The Fallout and Looking Ahead
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the treatment of women linked to celebrities, particularly those who do not actively seek public attention. Lauren’s experience highlights the dark side of fame-by-association, where private individuals become targets of harassment simply for their personal relationships.
With continued support from fellow WAGs, fans, and Rice himself, Lauren is likely to continue prioritizing her family and well-being over public appearances.