"Really is hurtful for us as a family": Stephen Bunting address online hate and abuse including aimed at son after Hurrell exit

Stephen Bunting is out of the PDC World Darts Championship after being defeated by James Hurrell in a 4-3 win for 'Hillbilly' and 'The Bullet' after taking a few days out from social media has released a statement.

In the statement, Bunting touched upon the defeat to Hurrell as well as the online abuse that he has suffered as well as his son Toby with him featuring regularly on camera during Sky Sports coverage which became a subject of hate after his loss.

But he said despite him wanting to shield his family from such abuse that he will not relent when it comes to his social media and also making videos with his son heading into the new year. He thanked his fans for their support after his run came to an end and praised his opponent amid his victory.

"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 championships 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," said Bunting on social media.

"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 are 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 media work.

"There have been many negative comments but the positive far outweighs them and deafens the noise they try to make. 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 the 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.

"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. Lastly 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."