Stephen Bear Announces Father's Death in Emotional Instagram Tribute
Former reality television personality and convicted sex offender Stephen Bear broke down in tears as he announced the death of his father in a heartfelt Instagram post. The 36-year-old, currently residing in Brazil following a prison sentence in the United Kingdom, shared the devastating news with his followers, describing the loss as profoundly painful.
A Heartfelt and Tearful Announcement
In a video posted to his social media account, Bear struggled to contain his emotions while revealing that his father had passed away. "It feels quite weird even saying this but unfortunately, yesterday my dad passed away and I have to say it's probably the most painful kind of feeling you could ever imagine," he stated, visibly upset. He went on to praise his father, calling him "the most amazing person you'd ever come across, funny caring, the best heart, the best stories."
Accompanying the video was a written tribute overlay with a red heart symbol, where Bear expressed enduring love: "I will love you forever dad. You will always be my best friend." This public mourning comes during a turbulent period in Bear's life, marked by legal troubles and relocation abroad.
Background: Rise to Fame and Legal Convictions
Stephen Bear first gained public attention in 2015 through his participation in the television series Ex On The Beach. His popularity surged when he won Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, a show that also featured a brief appearance from his father, Stephen Bear Snr. However, his career took a dark turn due to criminal activities.
In 2023, Bear was found guilty of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private, sexual photographs and films. The charges stemmed from sharing explicit footage of his ex-girlfriend, Love Island star Georgia Harrison, on the platform OnlyFans in 2020 without her consent. He served ten and a half months of a 21-month sentence for these revenge porn offences.
Subsequently, in 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service issued a Confiscation Order against Bear for £22,305 to recover profits made from the illicit content. The court also mandated a £5,000 compensation payment to Georgia Harrison.
Family Support and Current Life in Brazil
Upon his release from prison, Bear received support from his family, particularly his father. He claimed to have "no money" and "cried himself to sleep," eventually staying in his parents' spare room. This assistance highlights the close bond he shared with his late father during a challenging time.
Currently, Bear lives in Brazil and is expecting his first child with his 18-year-old wife, whom he met after emigrating. Earlier this year, he excitedly announced the pregnancy on social media, expressing eagerness to become a father. In a July Instagram video, he introduced his young partner, mentioning plans to shoot music videos and explore property investments in Brazil.
Contrasting Paths: Bear and Georgia Harrison
While Bear navigates personal loss and life abroad, Georgia Harrison has been recognised for her activism. In 2025, she was awarded an MBE for her campaigning efforts to combat violence against women, specifically raising awareness about revenge porn, consent, and online safety. Harrison waived her anonymity during Bear's trial to support other victims, turning her traumatic experience into a force for positive change.
This juxtaposition underscores the divergent trajectories following their shared history, with Bear facing legal and personal struggles while Harrison champions important social causes.
