Reality Star Faces Criticism for Remarks on Wife’s Recovery
Jamie Laing is currently facing public scrutiny after recounting an attempt to initiate intimacy with his wife, Sophie Habboo, just weeks following the birth of their child. The former reality television personality shared these details on his podcast, ‘NewlyParents’.
During a discussion about their newborn son, Ziggy, Laing admitted to attempting to be intimate with Habboo “a couple weeks in.” Habboo, in response, humorously mimicked Laing’s actions, noting that he “stamped your little arms and your legs” and suggesting he had “waited a year.” A clip of this exchange, shared on a fan account’s TikTok and reportedly since removed from the original podcast recording, shows Laing denying an insinuation that he was audibly upset.
Social Media Reacts to Sensitive Discussion
The comments have drawn a strong reaction from some social media users. One commenter described the situation as “horrifying,” while another emphasized the importance of consent and recovery, stating, “Not only can’t you have sex until after six weeks, you also can’t have sex when the other person doesn’t want it.” Another user expressed concern, calling the remarks “concerning” and “seriously nothing funny about it.”
In response to the public reaction, Sophie Habboo issued a statement. “Jamie and I have always had a relationship based on equality and mutual respect,” she stated. “We don’t want our comments to be misunderstood, and whilst they might have been delivered in a light-hearted couple conversation as per the style of the podcast show, in no way should this be seen as making light of serious matters that do exist for many men and women.” She added that they value listener feedback and will continue to consider it.
Details of Postpartum Recovery Shared
During the podcast conversation, Laing was reportedly seen laughing as the couple recounted the moment. Habboo explained her refusal, stating, “Firstly, I actually physically cannot. I have stitches all down over me down there. Secondly, I have to be signed off by the doctor.” She described Laing’s reaction as dismissive, with him allegedly saying, “Oh that’s bulls***, always an excuse with you, you don’t have to be signed off with the doctor.”
Habboo then recounted asking Laing to “get on the phone to Tarek [the doctor] now.” Laing continued, describing Habboo’s firm stance: “Sophie was like: ‘I’m not having sex with you and I’m telling you why.’ And I was like: ‘Why?’ And she goes: ‘I’m not having sex because A) I’ve just had my stomach ripped open, I’ve got stitches everywhere. B) I have my son and your son sucking on my nipple every single day. I’m tired, I’m exhausted, I’m fraught. The last thing I want is you breathing on me. Get out of here.'”
Habboo revealed that she insisted Laing accompany her to her six-week check-up to have the doctor directly confirm to him that sexual activity before six weeks postpartum is not advisable for women.
Podcast Episode Controversy
The segment that has sparked online controversy appears to have been removed from available recordings of the podcast episode, which was released in early May. The episode is no longer accessible on platforms including Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Acast, and Apple.
Jamie and Sophie announced the birth of their son, Ziggy, on December 4, 2025, sharing images from the hospital. Since then, they have released a Disney Plus series, ‘Raising Chelsea,’ and continued their ‘Newly podcast,’ detailing their experiences with early parenthood.
