Ashley Cain's former partner Safiyya Vorajee has broken her silence after the TV presenter's controversial historical social media posts led to the cancellation of his BBC Three series. In a statement on Instagram, she insisted the posts are "no reflection" of his current character.
Safiyya's Statement Defends Cain
Vorajee, who was in a relationship with Cain from 2017 until 2022, wrote: "I've seen how much life has changed you over the years Ash I know you're not proud of the words you've spoken in the past, and I know they don't reflect the man you are today." The couple's daughter Azaylia died at eight months old in April 2021 from acute myeloid leukaemia. Vorajee referenced their daughter in her post, adding: "I've seen the father you've been to our beautiful daughter, the love you've carried for her, and the way you've dedicated so much of your life to honouring her legacy and helping others because of it." She concluded: "None of us can change the past, but we can choose who we become because of it, and your doing really well I'm proud of you Sending you love and strength."
Cain Breaks Silence with Apology
The 35-year-old former footballer and reality star initially remained silent after The Guardian reported on the posts last week. On Monday night, he issued a multi-page statement on Instagram, saying: "You may have seen a recent article concerning language I used many years ago that I am not proud of. I don't deny it. I don't excuse it. And I certainly don't condone it." He explained the comments were made over a decade ago by a "younger version of myself who still had a lot of growing up to do." Cain added: "I cannot change the past and truthfully I have never tried to hide from it. I have always believed that accountability matters. We should all take responsibility for our actions, good or bad."
Historical Context and BBC Response
Cain, known for Ex On The Beach and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, said at the time of the posts he was "lost" and "frustrated" after his professional football dream ended due to injury. He described himself as lacking "maturity, perspective and understanding." The BBC confirmed it had "no plans" to broadcast the new series of a documentary hosted by Cain and "no future projects" with him. A BBC spokesperson called the posts "completely unacceptable" and admitted that social media vetting systems "clearly failed." The tweets, which included sexist and misogynistic language and jokes about hitting women, were reportedly seen by The Guardian. Cain's X account appears to have been removed.
Cain Reflects on Personal Growth
In his statement, Cain reflected on how fatherhood and loss changed him: "Over the last decade, life has taught me lessons that no amount of fame, success or public opinion ever could. I became a father. I experienced a love so powerful that it changed every part of me. Then I experienced a pain so devastating that it nearly destroyed me." He concluded: "What I can do is take responsibility for it. What I can do is continue striving every day to be a good father, a good human and a positive force in the lives of others."
