David Haye, the 45-year-old boxer who placed third on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, has drawn widespread criticism for his behavior in camp. Accusations of bullying fellow contestant Adam Thomas, fat-shaming Gemma Collins, and making misogynistic remarks have dominated discussions since his exit. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly highlighted the issues on the show’s podcast I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked.
Bullying Accusations Against Adam Thomas
Adam Thomas, 37, described his clashes with Haye as pushing him to his limits. In an Instagram post, Thomas reflected on the ordeal, stating, ‘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, who battles autoimmune psoriatic arthritis diagnosed in 2023, struggled physically and emotionally. He shared a photo from his hammock, noting, ‘My time in I’m A Celebrity South Africa was one of the toughest things I’ve ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally.’ Haye called Thomas ‘useless’ after he skipped a Bushtucker Trial due to feeling unwell and dehydrated, remarking, ‘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 stated on the podcast, ‘It’s not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them. 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 added, ‘It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch.’
Beverley Callard expressed regret over not speaking up more, saying she felt disappointed despite initially admiring Haye.
Fat-Shaming Claims Involving Gemma Collins
Tensions between Haye and Gemma Collins escalated early. During a trial announcement for the Retching Bull challenge, Collins nominated Haye and Mo Farah. Haye accepted, but Farah bowed out, replaced by Craig Charles. Collins emphasized the group’s need to eat, prompting Haye to retort, ‘You need to eat tonight,’ referencing her previous banquet win.
Viewers highlighted the exchange as fat-shaming, with Collins later telling the Bush Telegraph she wasn’t accustomed to such abrupt treatment. Haye also commented on her thick hair, saying, ‘It definitely ain’t thin.’
Misogynistic Remarks About His Girlfriend
Haye stunned campmates while discussing girlfriend Sian Osborne. He described her as ‘lovely, she’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird,’ explaining his ‘ugly duckling theory.’ He claimed less attractive women develop stronger personalities to compensate, stating, ‘Most ugly girls realise they’ve got to have a personality to banter, tell jokes and s**t.’
Scarlett Moffatt reacted, ‘You can’t say that, David! You can’t say that.’ 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 sensitivity. Insiders note no malice was intended, viewing it as part of his philosophical style. Sian reportedly found it amusing, seeing it as a compliment to her looks and personality.
Scarlett Moffatt confirmed limited post-show contact with Haye, maintaining close ties with others like Ashley Roberts and Mo Farah via WhatsApp.
Repeated References to Haye’s Throuple
Haye’s unconventional relationship, involving girlfriend Sian Osborne and past links to Helen Flanagan, surfaced 11 times on the show despite his reluctance to discuss it. Hosts Ant and Dec mentioned it five times, while campmates like Gemma Collins and Adam Thomas brought it up six times. Producers reportedly encouraged candid talk, but Haye kept his private life off-limits. Flanagan denied a throuple but admitted falling in love with Haye.
