A PORT Seton couple claim they have been driven from their home after months of homophobic abuse from local residents – including being branded a paedophile.

Greg Mahony, 33, says he and husband Andy have been forced to move from the village.

Greg – who performs as a drag act online using the alter-ego Gay Greg – has had acid poured over his car by a masked man and was branded “a beast” after he advertised for male dancers to appear in his latest video.

The drag performer said that online threats also included the suggestion of a public demonstration being organised to oust him and his husband from the area.

Greg and Andy, who have been married for three years, admit they were left “at breaking point” by the abuse and last week fled Scotland after selling their home on Laburnum Avenue.

Greg said that the “final straw” came earlier this year when he posted on a local Facebook page looking for adult men to star in a video for his new single.

The advert stated he was looking for “18-plus male backing dancers” who were willing to perform “topless and should wear shorts”.

But after posting the ad, Greg, who is originally from Ireland, received homophobic comments labelling him a “p**f” and “paedo”.

Other posts stated “he needs his hard drive checked ASAP” – a reference to child abuse images – and “this is verging on beast material”.

One social media user stated it would be “a sin for the kids” if the couple were successful in their hopes of adopting a child.

Greg, an NHS worker, said: “We moved to Port Seton as we thought it was an idyllic wee place. It looked the perfect place for me and Andy to live and hopefully adopt a child to complete our family.

“But after a couple of small run-ins with locals, it became nasty in the past year when I had my car attacked for no apparent reason other than we are a gay couple.

“The worst was to come, though, after I advertised for adult males to perform in one of my music videos. I am a drag artist and proud of it. The songs I perform may be a bit risqué but they are all tongue in cheek and a bit of fun. If people don’t like them then they don’t have to listen.

“But to be called a paedophile and possibly have a vigilante protest outside my home is horrifying and disgusting.

“We cannot stand to be around these bigots anymoree and the abuse has been constant for a good while now. It has worn us down where it had got to the point where we were scared to be inside our own home.”

Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council condemned any acts of discrimination.

A spokesperson said: “The community council abhor discrimination of any kind – including homophobic. Cockenzie and Port Seton has a long relationship with people of many races and creeds and we are determined that this tradition will be continued and welcomed.”

Following the recent online abuse, Greg called in the police and officers spoke to people about the homophobic Facebook posts.

A police spokesperson said: “I can confirm that police received a complaint regarding possible online homophobic comments made on social media comments.

“Enquiries were carried out and no criminality was established. Advice was given to the complainer.”

Councillor Fiona O’Donnell, Preston Seton Gosford ward member, said: “I can’t comment on the allegations in this particular case.

“In every community there are vestiges of discrimination. We share the responsibility to challenge those. My experience in Port Seton and Cockenzie is of an open and welcoming community.

“There is so much good work going on locally to champion equal rights and inclusion. One example is Cockenzie House hosting the Pride Saltire Festival, which has been well supported by local people and visitors.”

Her comments were echoed by fellow ward councillor Lachlan Bruce, who said: “Any form of abuse is of course not acceptable, or welcome in our community. Any allegations must be taken seriously and be investigated.

“But it wouldn’t be fair to say this is reflective of the whole community. The Cockenzie and Port Seton I know is a friendly, welcoming place to all, including to members of the LGBT community.”

“East Lothian’s first Pride festival was held at Cockenzie House. This is far more reflective of the vast majority of people who live here.”