The Tangled Web of Stuart Hogg: Abuse, Betrayal, and a Legacy Unraveling

From Sporting Legend to Courtroom Shame

Stuart Hogg’s journey from celebrated Scotland rugby captain to a convicted domestic abuser is a cautionary tale about fame, unchecked behaviour, and the cultural enablers who allowed him to spiral. His conviction for years of controlling and abusive behaviour toward his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg, has left his once-pristine reputation in tatters.

But as the dust begins to settle on his court case, the personal fallout continues. Gillian is not the only woman speaking out about Hogg’s troubling behaviour. Jilly O’Donnell, a 47-year-old student nurse, has revealed the details of her three-year secret relationship with Hogg, adding another layer to the troubling portrait of a man unable—or unwilling—to take responsibility for his actions.

A Web of Lies: Jilly’s Story

O’Donnell’s account is damning. She claims Hogg pursued her with the same obsessive intensity he displayed in his abusive marriage, all while presenting himself as a man eager to turn over a new leaf. “He told me this time was different,” O’Donnell says, recounting how she believed Hogg was separated from his wife when their relationship began.

But the truth soon surfaced. O’Donnell discovered that Hogg was still married to Gillian and juggling his family life with a secret affair. The betrayal shattered her trust. “He put on a façade that he was a victim,” she says. “I told him to take responsibility for his actions and leave me alone.”

Her breaking point came when Hogg, who had reportedly blocked her at the request of his new girlfriend, Leonna Mayor, suddenly began liking her social media posts again. To O’Donnell, it was a clear sign that he had not changed.

Warnings to Leonna Mayor: Unheeded Advice

After ending her relationship with Hogg, O’Donnell reached out to Mayor, a former jockey and television presenter, to warn her about Hogg’s manipulative behaviour. Mayor, now pregnant with Hogg’s child, dismissed the concerns, framing her relationship with Hogg as one of redemption and love.

This denial has raised eyebrows, particularly as the details of Hogg’s abuse became public. The court heard that Hogg sent Gillian over 200 abusive texts in just two hours, tracked her movements, and subjected her to years of controlling behaviour.

Despite these revelations, Mayor has remained steadfast in her public support for Hogg, even attacking Gillian on social media. For O’Donnell, this dismissal of her warnings is deeply troubling. “I tried to save her from what I went through,” she says.

Abuse Unchecked: The Culture of Enabling

Hogg’s downfall is not just a personal tragedy but a systemic failing. Rugby culture, like many professional sports, has long struggled with how to address off-field behaviour. Hogg’s years of erratic conduct were tolerated—if not outright celebrated—by those around him, with his teammates and coaches brushing off incidents as the antics of a “wild lad.”

“He’s a terrible drinker,” one insider remarked, summarising the excuse-making that allowed Hogg to continue his self-destructive path. His teammates reportedly attempted interventions when his behaviour escalated, but these efforts were too little, too late.

Hogg himself admitted in interviews to masking his struggles with alcohol and mood swings. But rather than seeking help, he doubled down, continuing to present an image of charm and confidence while those closest to him bore the brunt of his instability.

The Fallout: A Legacy in Tatters

Hogg’s conviction has brought long-overdue accountability, but his legacy remains deeply tarnished. Once hailed as a hero on the pitch, his off-field actions have overshadowed his sporting achievements. His MBE for services to rugby now feels like a bitter irony, a reminder of how public accolades can obscure private failures.

Even his post-rugby career has faltered. A brief stint as a commentator for TNT Sports ended after his arrest in March 2024. He now plays for Montpellier in France, but his reputation precedes him, casting a long shadow over his future in professional rugby.

The Women Left Behind

While Hogg attempts to rebuild his life in France, the women he left in his wake are focused on healing. Gillian, the mother of his four children, has spoken of her determination to move forward. “It’s time to start my next chapter,” she said.

For Jilly O’Donnell, the scars of her relationship with Hogg run deep. “I tried to warn Leonna,” she says, “but she didn’t want to listen. I hope she doesn’t regret it.”

Leonna Mayor, meanwhile, faces her own challenges. Pregnant with Hogg’s fifth child, she has tied her future to a man whose abusive behaviour is now a matter of public record.

What Rugby—and Society—Can Learn

The story of Stuart Hogg is a sobering reminder of the dangers of hero worship. For years, his talent on the pitch shielded him from scrutiny off it. As a result, his abusive behaviour went unchecked, harming those closest to him.

If there’s a lesson in Hogg’s downfall, it’s the importance of early intervention. Sports organisations, teammates, and even fans must take red flags seriously, addressing problems before they escalate into tragedy.

For Hogg, the game is over. But for those he hurt, the road to recovery has just begun.