Raise your hand if you’ve been victimized or bullied (by Regina George?), ever? Yeah, that’s a fair few. Our office too. Susan Boyle, like the rest of us, was bullied for being different. Yep, that old chestnut. Of course, Susan knew that stepping into the spotlight as an adult was going to attract the attention of haters too. But she bravely navigated the celebrity waves and charted her own course (heh).
In 2017, nasty insults were thrown at her by local teens (who in fact got even more aggressive, but we’ll get to that later on!), and Boyle, as the classy mature woman she is, held her head high and ignored them. Kids eh? Despite her hard front, Boyle later told media outlets that it did indeed get to her – and hey, we can appreciate that, it sucks! People suck, etc. “Who wouldn’t cry?” She told the Daily Mail. It brought back memories from her childhood and school bullies. If it continues, she’ll most definitely want to the police… but Boyle is all about giving people a chance and the opportunity to see right from wrong. But that doesn’t mean she’s a pushover, she told them!
Boyle’s First Beau…. At 53!
Now, before you go ahead and judge Susan, just take a moment to consider the fact that some people are late bloomers, mmkay? Such is the case for Susan Boyle, who, over the course of 53 years, went without men. Sure, with her undiagnosed Asperger’s and being a full-time carer for her aging mother, it doesn’t seem like Susan would’ve had much time to be swiping on Tinder, let alone going on dates! Also, can we just remind you all that some people just aren’t “ready” for a relationship, or don’t have space in their life for one? This was definitely 100% the case for Boyle. But things did change, albeit a little later in the game.
Whilst on tour, Boyle met her “Prince Charming” in Florida (so we automatically had a mental picture of Prince Charming from Shrek 2, but we’re pretty sure Susan isn’t into cherry-flavored lip-balm...anywho…) – the pair even went on a date while she was in town! “He was the perfect gentleman and even paid the bill,” she said. “Afterwards, we exchanged details. When we said goodbye, he gave me a peck on the cheek.” D’aww! Boyle’s openness to romantic pursuits is owing to the proper diagnosis of her Asperger’s – and it’s made it easier for her to recognize that her struggle in growing close to another person isn’t exactly uncommon! Boyle once told The Daily Mail that people with Asperger’s put a barrier up because they don’t trust people but she tries her best to let people in. And you can definitely teel that with every passing day, her confidence is growing!
Taking to Fame like a Duck to Water!
So most people who get rich quick just start ordering sparkling water at restaurants (heh) and booking private jets – really settling into that life of luxury, you know? That is not the case at all for Susan Boyle! Remaining down to earth (which is no easy task!), Boyle remains living humbly as she had done the past 47 years. So much so that she still lives in her hometown in Scotland and in the house she shared growing up with her siblings.
Not one to be dressed head to toe in Gucci or Burberry or any other brand, Boyle’s wardrobe too, remains modest. She’s pretty happy with the simple life (think Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie, pitchforks and hay bales and all) and doesn’t need much more than she had before Britain’s Got Talent. With her cat, Pebbles, Boyle enjoys her peace and quiet, with privacy and safety her two biggest concerns. Plus, having Asperger’s, it does make sense that she wants to live somewhere that is comfortable and familiar for her. You do you, boo!
Fighting Fit: Boyle’s 30 Pound Weight Loss
Now when Boyle stepped on that stage and opened her mouth to shock audiences, it not only fast-tracked her career, but it fast-tracked the makeover! With a jam-packed schedule – from interviews to appearances and performances, Susan Boyle was the town’s hot ticket! But with a busy schedule, it took its toll on her health. The singer was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. As you may know, this “lifestyle” Diabetes is the type that’s compatible: with a good diet and exercise, it can be fought!
Taking her health seriously, Boyle followed the doctor’s advice and embarked on a weight loss journey! She successfully lost 30 pounds, with the intent that she’s not only going to keep it off but maintain the changes to her diet and exercise regime, making it a lifestyle change! She told The Sun, “I needed to stop eating sweeties and cakes. It’s the bane of my life.” But for heaven's-sake, LET THEM EAT CAKE!
Gerry Boyle’s Demands for Compensation
So Susan was going along, enjoying the fame rollercoaster, and not to mention a heck of a lot of royalties, which, in 2013, garnered her a net worth of $27 million! Now when those sorts of figures are announced, you’d expect charities and the like to start popping up asking for donations. But no, it was her brother, Gerry, who asked for a share of her earnings! Whilst her other siblings watched on somewhat flabbergasted, Gerry kept badgering Susan to give him the $60,000 sum he asked for!
Seems that old family feud was back, but with financial requests! When Boyle denied her brother of the funds, Gerry went for the cheap shot, and threatened to commit suicide if he wasn’t given the money! Isn’t that just awful? And the best part is his claim: he figured that whilst the media were asking questions of the family, he should be compensated – and that she “owed” him! So did Susan give her brother the money? Or did she draw the line?