David Haye, the 45-year-old boxer who placed third on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, has drawn significant backlash for his behavior in camp. Accusations of bullying fellow contestant Adam Thomas, fat-shaming Gemma Collins, and making misogynistic remarks have left campmates and viewers stunned. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly criticized Haye for crossing the line from banter to discomfort.
Bullying Row with Adam Thomas
Adam Thomas, 37, revealed that Haye pushed him to his limits during the show, exacerbating struggles with his psoriatic arthritis diagnosed in 2023. In an Instagram post, Thomas shared: “He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now.”
Thomas described the experience as physically, mentally, and emotionally draining, noting moments when he felt like quitting but persevered. Haye called Thomas “useless” after he skipped a Bushtucker Trial due to feeling unwell and dehydrated, stating: “Who gives a s**t if he doesn’t feel well. He’s a grown-ass man. I don’t like guys who are… a bit useless. I hate them useless guys.”
Campmates like Gemma Collins, Ashley Roberts, and Scarlett Moffatt defended Thomas, describing Haye’s approach as uncomfortable. Ant commented on the show’s podcast: “It’s not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them.” Dec added: “It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch.”
Fat-Shaming Accusations Against Gemma Collins
Haye clashed with Gemma Collins from early on, refusing her water and making pointed remarks about her eating habits. During a trial announcement, after Collins nominated him and Mo Farah, Haye interjected when she emphasized the need to eat: “You need to eat tonight.” He referenced his own banquet win the previous night, prompting viewer outrage on social media.
Viewers highlighted repeated instances, with comments like “David fat shaming Gemma AGAIN.” Collins also noted Haye’s abrupt comment on her thick hair: “It definitely ain’t thin.” She told the Bush Telegraph: “I’m not always used to people dealing with me in an abrupt manner.”
Misogynistic Remarks About His Girlfriend
Haye shocked campmates by describing his girlfriend Sian Osborne as a “lovely girl” with the “personality of a proper ugly bird.” He explained his “ugly duckling theory,” claiming less attractive women develop better personalities to compensate, while “super pretty girls are just idiots.”
Scarlett Moffatt reacted: “You can’t say that, David!” Ashley Roberts groaned: “Oh, dear God.” Those close to Haye indicate he lacked access to AI tools he typically uses to vet comments, which he employs as a “comfort blanket” for social media and speeches. Insiders emphasize no malice was intended, viewing it as a compliment to Osborne’s looks and personality.
Additional Backlash and Throuple Mentions
Fans urged Haye to show more sympathy, blurring the line between banter and bullying. Beverley Callard expressed regret for not speaking up more, saying she had been a fan but felt disappointed.
Haye’s unconventional “throuple” relationship surfaced 11 times despite his reluctance to discuss it. Producers and campmates, including Ant, Dec, Gemma, and Adam, referenced links to Sian Osborne and Helen Flanagan, whom Flanagan denied while admitting she “fell in love” with Haye.
Scarlett Moffatt confirmed a post-show WhatsApp group excludes some, including limited contact with Haye, preferring connections with Ashley, Mo Farah, Gemma, and others.
