Reality TV star Charlotte Chilton has revealed she is undergoing major brain surgery, a deeply personal health crisis that has been met with a fresh social media jibe from singer Conor Maynard, with whom she is locked in a bitter, year-long paternity dispute.
A Cruel Jibe Amid a Medical Crisis
On Sunday, Charlotte Chilton, 34, known for her appearance on BBC's The Traitors, posted that she had been rushed to A&E following a severe attack of trigeminal neuralgia and required neurosurgery. This agonising chronic pain condition, often dubbed the 'suicide disease', causes sudden, shock-like facial pain.
Just a day prior, Conor Maynard, 33, shared a TikTok video participating in a trend where users reveal a line they say too often. In the clip, set to Tame Impala's 'The Less I Know the Better', text on the screen read: 'Are you SURE you didn't sleep with anyone else?' – a direct reference to the paternity battle over Charlotte's 13-month-old daughter, Penelope.
The video, which remains on his page, was posted before Charlotte's surgery announcement but circulated widely afterwards, drawing criticism for its timing and insensitivity.
The Traitors Star's Battle with 'The Suicide Disease'
Charlotte has been a vocal advocate for raising awareness of trigeminal neuralgia, a condition she has battled for years. She previously underwent brain surgery in her twenties. In a heartfelt post from her hospital bed, she described being in 'physical torture' and starkly noted, 'they call this the suicide disease for a reason.'
The NHS states the condition can severely impact quality of life, leading to isolation, depression, and weight loss. Charlotte detailed being cared for by the neuro team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and expressed gratitude for her support network during this 'hellish week'.
Last year, she disclosed to Metro.co.uk the devastating toll of the illness, revealing she once 'didn't want to live anymore' and had missed out on many life experiences due to the unpredictable, excruciating pain.
A Protracted and Bitter Paternity Dispute
The backdrop to this incident is a protracted feud that began in June last year when Charlotte claimed Maynard was the father of her child following a one-night stand. Two separate paternity tests have concluded Maynard is not the father, a result Charlotte has consistently rejected, insisting the tests are incorrect.
The conflict escalated further when Maynard alleged Charlotte had slept with her Traitors co-star Jonny Holloway, suggesting he could be the father – a claim Charlotte has vehemently denied, stating Maynard was her only partner at the time.
In November, overwhelmed by the public saga, Charlotte vowed to step back from social media for her mental health, emphasising the dispute was about her daughter's right to an accurate birth certificate and medical history, not fame or money.
Followers were divided by Maynard's latest TikTok, with some criticising his actions. One user commented 'This is embarrassing', while another advised, 'id give it a rest now mate.' The episode highlights the intense personal and public pressures surrounding both the serious health battle and the unresolved paternity case.
