David Haye's 'bullying' row on I'm A Celebrity has sparked claims he could be cancelled, with the boxer's former controversial comments coming back to light. The former boxer, 48, caused a stir during his time in South Africa, where he was accused of making sexist and fatphobic comments as well as 'bullying' fellow campmate and eventual winner Adam Thomas.
Live Final Controversy
Friday's live final saw hosts Ant and Dec take a swipe at David's 'terrifying theories about women' before he confronted Adam with a tyrannical rant questioning whether he 'deserved to win'. Soon filming descended into chaos and as the studio became increasingly more intense, Gemma Collins and Sinitta stormed off stage in fury.
Resurfaced Gang Rape Comment
Amid the furore, a video of David from 2010 in which he refused to apologise for claiming his fight with Audley Harrison will be as 'one-sided as a gang rape' has gone viral. His remarks at the time caused criticism from women's groups and charities, and now X users have also expressed their shock.
Users tweeted: 'Anyone else think David Haye has cancelled himself? #ImACeleb'; 'Nah wtf is that clip surely that can't be real'; 'How have I never seen this. F***ing hell!!!'; 'Still can't believe this was real'; 'I had to listen twice to make sure I heard that right. He's never been on the spectrum of people I'm aware of, thank goodness, as he sounds like a complete and utter tosspot'; 'Hayes is a B*****d let's have it right, just a horrible bully'.
Other Controversial Remarks
Yet it's far from the only controversial remark David made at the height of his boxing career. When facing a fight against Jean-Marc Mormeck in 2007, he claimed 'I'm going to travel to his back garden and beat Mormeck like Rodney King!' It was in reference to the 1991 beating of a black man by four white LAPD officers, a case that highlighted severe issues with police brutality and race.
David was also accused of going too far when he said to Tony Bellew 'I'm going to smash your f****** head in'. He later added: 'I've never had a fight where I've wanted to cave someone's skull in like this ever. Normally you want to knock someone out but I really want to do some damage to this guy.' While David also addressed fans at a Liverpool press conference with an ableist slur, saying: 'You're all f***ing retards'.
AI Check for Offensive Language
It was previously alleged that David has turned to artificial intelligence to check all his speeches and social media posts for any offensive language. Yet on I'm A Celebrity, this wasn't at his disposal and David caused a stir among viewers for his polarising comments, such as when he bragged about dating a 'lovely' woman 'with the personality of a proper ugly bird'. David went on to clarify that he meant that less attractive women have better personalities because their 'banter and jokes' distract from their appearance.
Ugly Bird Comment
The former boxing champion was discussing his girlfriend Sian Osborne with Scarlett Moffatt and Ashley Roberts, who looked horrified by his admission. He said: 'It'd be good to get everyone together as well, after this. [Sian] can cook, for like, 60 people. We have these parties in Costa Rica...' Pussycat Dolls star Ashley interjected: 'Who is this woman?' In response, David went on to describe her as: 'Tall, blue eyes...' Sinitta then said: 'She sounds like she's drop dead gorgeous.' David replied: 'She's lovely, she's got the personality of a proper ugly bird.' A gobsmacked Scarlett said: 'You can't say that, David! You can't say that', laughing in disbelief. As Scarlett and Ashley asked what he means by the comment, David clarified: 'Most ugly girls realise they've got to have a personality to banter, tell jokes and s**t.' People overlook the fact they're not aesthetically amazing straight away.' What's it called - Ugly Duckling Syndrome? When girls are ugly when they start off, then get pretty as they get older. But they've still got the personality of when they're ugly.'
Further Incidents
David also raised eyebrows when he controversially sent Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, 69, to the inferior Savannah Scrub camp during the first episode. While fans accused him of 'fat shaming' Gemma Collins by remarking on her seemingly needing to eat more than him. He was also accused of 'bullying' campmate Adam after a series of swipes were aired, which, in one instance, saw him brand the actor 'useless' for excusing himself from a trial due to his health.
Confrontation in Live Final
During the live final David confronted Adam and asked whether he 'deserved to win after calling Jimmy the C-word'. Adam has since said he has been having therapy because the row 'f***ed with him.' David has since defended his comments to Adam as 'banter' and accused the Emmerdale star of trying to gain more sympathy by describing his ordeal as 'the worst time of his life.' The sportsman insisted he and Adam had been on good terms after the show, and he'd spoken to him just a day before the interview.
During the live final David confronted Adam and asked whether he 'deserved to win after calling Jimmy the C-word' to which the soap star proudly replied: 'Yeah after that challenge I do think I deserve to win', 'Don't you think you should ask Jimmy whether he thinks he deserves to win?', David added. 'Because there was a lot of that stuff cut out of it. Listen, I've got nothing but love for Jimmy, I think it was just... Adam plays the victim.' Dec hit back: 'David, you were gone. You weren't even there!' Adam added: 'Will you just let the finalists talk?' as Gemma put an arm out to hold David back while the studio erupted into chaos.
This Morning Interview
During a fiery This Morning interview on Thursday, David accused Adam of 'playing the victim', after facing claims he 'bullied' the actor during their stint on I'm A Celebrity South Africa. David said on This Morning last week: 'Some people had the worst time of their life, Adam for instance, he said that was the worst of his life, I don't know how soft his life has been!' I got on with everybody, even Adam. I've been chatting to him since, but this whole, the bullying thing, he fanned the flames, I think the angle is to play the victim card, even in the trials.' Adam has autoimmune condition psoriatic arthritis and struggled with fatigue and dehydration in the jungle. However, David claimed he 'played a sickness,' whenever a trial was due to take place, adding: 'It flares up in convenient times as well and that's what I'm saying.' He's a super sweet guy, but I think he hams up, he's a professional victim.'
