Actor Lincoln Lewis has revealed he is taking acting classes after work dried up following a catfish scandal involving a woman who impersonated him online. The 31-year-old Australian star spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the impact of the ordeal, saying the last 18 months to two years have been slower.
Lydia Abdelmalek, 29, from Melbourne, spent four years using fake Facebook profiles of Lincoln Lewis and Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac to send cruel messages to women. One victim took her own life. Abdelmalek was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail on Thursday after being found guilty of six counts of stalking, but she immediately appealed and was granted bail with a $10,000 surety.
The decision to grant bail sparked public outrage, with many taking to social media to criticise the leniency. One person tweeted: 'After unrelentingly catfishing & stalking several people - causing one to commit suicide, why was this woman given bail.' Another said: 'She caused the suicide of what was once a vibrant young woman... she should be charged with manslaughter.'
Lewis said he is open to both film and television work, as TV 'just keeps getting better and better' and is 'competing with some of the best films'. He added: 'I know what it's like to not work and I'm trying to stay fresh and do classes, but I just want to get back on set.'
Magistrate Stephen Ballek described the stalking as 'calculated and cruel' and noted Abdelmalek refused to explain her actions and showed no remorse. She must abide by social media restrictions as part of her bail conditions and will appear in Victorian County Court on June 28.
