LONDON – The normally raucous and celebratory world of professional darts has been plunged into controversy and acute internal tension following the shocking, non-consensual leak of an intimate, uncensored video featuring prominent Sky Sports darts presenter Emma Paton.
The video, reportedly filmed during a private encounter, began circulating in private social media groups and messaging apps late Tuesday night before spreading rapidly across the wider darts community online. Its contents, confirmed as authentic by sources close to Paton, have triggered a fierce debate over privacy, sexism, and the culture within the sport.
Paton, a respected and popular figure who fronts Sky Sports’ coverage of the Premier League Darts and World Darts Championship, has not yet made a public statement. However, colleagues have described her as “devastated” and “in shock.” Sky Sports is understood to be offering her full support and has launched an internal investigation into the source of the leak.
The reaction from within the darts world has been sharply divided, creating a palpable atmosphere of unease. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) issued a terse statement condemning the “invasion of privacy” and urging fans to “respect the personal lives of all individuals associated with the sport.” Several top players, including former world champion Gerwyn Price and current world number one Luke Humphries, have used social media to voice their support for Paton and condemn those sharing the video.
“What’s happened to Emma is disgusting and a total invasion of her privacy,” Price posted on ‘X’. “The people sharing it need to have a good look at themselves. Full support with Emma.”
However, the incident has also exposed a less savory undercurrent. In some corners of social media and fan forums, the leak has been met with misogynistic commentary and rampant sharing, overshadowing the ongoing build-up to major tournaments. This has sparked anger among many who believe it highlights a persistent laddish culture that the sport has worked hard to move beyond.
“This isn’t about darts; this is about a woman’s right to privacy being violently violated,” said a veteran darts journalist speaking on condition of anonymity. “The tension isn’t just about the leak itself, but about the community’s response. It’s a litmus test. Do we support a valued colleague, or does the ‘banter’ culture win?”
The leak also raises significant legal questions. UK law regards the sharing of intimate images without consent as a criminal offence. Legal experts suggest those who initially leaked and distributed the material could face prosecution.
As the fallout continues, the focus is squarely on Emma Paton’s wellbeing and the sport’s next steps. With major televised events on the horizon, the darts community now faces the challenge of navigating this scandal while protecting one of its most visible stars from a profound violation. The hope among many is that the overwhelming support for Paton from the sport’s official bodies and leading players will set the tone, but the incident has undeniably cast a long shadow.
Sky Sports has stated: “We are aware of a private matter concerning Emma Paton and are offering her our full support. We condemn in the strongest terms the unauthorized sharing of private material.”