Former supermodel Janice Dickinson has been seen in public for the first time since she shared shocking images of the facial injuries she says she sustained while filming I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
A Solemn Public Appearance
Dickinson appeared subdued and solemn during an outing in Los Angeles last week. The model, a household name from her work with brands like Chanel and Versace, kept her head slightly lowered and wore a serious expression, seemingly keen to avoid attention.
This sighting follows her recent decision to file a personal injury claim against ITV at the High Court in London. The legal action, filed by law firm Taylor Hampton, seeks damages for injuries Dickinson alleges are permanent and career-altering.
The Alleged Incident and Lasting Damage
The incident occurred in 2023 while Dickinson was competing in the I'm A Celebrity… South Africa All Stars series. She was forced to quit the show after tripping in the dark at the jungle camp, reportedly while getting up to use the toilet in the early hours.
Legal documents and sources close to the model claim the fall resulted in severe injuries. She is said to have suffered 'permanent traumatic scarring' across her lips, mouth, cheeks, chin, and lower face, along with nerve damage and deformity. Medical opinions cited state this damage cannot be fully corrected by surgery.
A key allegation in the claim is that a medic employed by ITV had given Dickinson sleep medication prior to the fall. Documents note this type of medication can cause drowsiness and impaired balance, potentially making her 'particularly vulnerable' when moving at night.
Legal Battle and ITV's Response
Dickinson's legal team argues that ITV is legally liable for compensation, citing a combination of the medication, inadequate lighting in the camp, and a breach of duty of care. An insider stated the injuries have been a 'devastating blow' to her decades-long modelling career.
When contacted, Dickinson's representative, Dermot McNamara, said: 'Janice is fully committed to this legal process and seeing it though to its conclusion. She looks forward to unpacking ITV's response.'
An ITV spokesman responded: 'We don't recognize this version of events. However, we looked after Dickinson at the time, paid her medical expenses, flew her home to LA... the health, safety and welfare of all of our contributors are our number one priority.'
The case has raised concerns within ITV that it could prompt other contestants to file similar lawsuits, potentially leading to future stars being asked to sign legal waivers.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Dickinson admitted in a podcast released over a year after the incident that she would 'absolutely' return to the show if asked, praising the producers and the nature of the programme.
