David Haye, the 45-year-old boxer who placed third on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, has drawn significant criticism for his behavior in camp. Accusations of bullying fellow contestant Adam Thomas, fat-shaming Gemma Collins, and making misogynistic comments have left campmates, hosts, and viewers unsettled.
Hosts Ant and Dec Condemn Haye’s Actions
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly addressed Haye’s conduct on the ITV podcast I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked. ‘It’s not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them,’ Ant stated. He noted Adam’s struggles, adding, ‘Adam has had a bit of a tough time and he’s not coping well. Clearly the banter has got too much. But David won’t stop.’
Dec concurred: ‘It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch.’
Bullying Claims Involving Adam Thomas
Adam Thomas, 37, revealed the toll of his interactions with Haye in an Instagram post. The actor, battling psoriatic arthritis diagnosed in 2023, described the experience as physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. ‘He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits,’ Thomas wrote. ‘I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now.’
Thomas shared a photo of himself looking distressed in his hammock, explaining how arthritis intensified his pain. He refused a Bushtucker Trial due to dehydration and feeling unwell. Haye responded harshly: ‘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 manner as uncomfortable. Beverley Callard later expressed regret for not speaking up more, saying she had been a fan but felt disappointed.
Clashes and Fat-Shaming Allegations Against Gemma Collins
Haye and Gemma Collins clashed repeatedly. During a trial announcement for the Retching Bull challenge, Collins nominated Haye and Mo Farah. Haye retorted, ‘You chucked us right in there, in the deep end.’ Collins reminded him he had expressed interest in participating.
After Farah opted out, Haye interjected when Collins emphasized the need to eat: ‘You need to eat tonight.’ He referenced his own banquet from a prior win, prompting viewer backlash on social media for perceived fat-shaming. Additional remarks, like commenting on her thick hair with ‘It definitely ain’t thin,’ fueled complaints.
Collins told the Bush Telegraph: ‘I’m not always used to people dealing with me in an abrupt manner.’
Misogynistic Comments Spark Outrage
Haye shocked campmates while discussing girlfriend Sian Osborne. ‘She’s lovely, she’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird,’ he said. Clarifying his ‘ugly duckling theory,’ Haye claimed less attractive women develop stronger personalities to compensate, while ‘most super pretty girls are just idiots.’
Scarlett Moffatt reacted: ‘You can’t say that, David!’ Ashley Roberts groaned, ‘Oh, dear God.’
Sources close to Haye attribute the remarks to his absence of AI tools, which he typically uses to vet comments for offensiveness. Insiders emphasize no malice, viewing it as a compliment to Osborne’s personality. Osborne reportedly found it amusing and does not see Haye as sexist.
Scarlett Moffatt noted she stays in touch with select campmates via WhatsApp but did not highlight Haye, despite him creating the group.
Frequent Throuple References
Haye’s unconventional relationship, involving Sian Osborne and past links to Helen Flanagan, surfaced 11 times despite his reluctance to discuss it. Hosts Ant and Dec mentioned it five times, and campmates like Gemma Collins and Adam Thomas brought it up six times. Producers encouraged candid talk, but Haye kept his private life off-limits. Flanagan denied a throuple but admitted falling in love with Haye.
Viewers and campmates alike highlighted a fine line between banter and bullying, urging more sympathy from Haye.
