David Haye, the former professional boxer and star of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2026 Legends edition, found himself on the receiving end of a humbling public verdict after he conducted a poll on Instagram asking followers whether they considered him a bully. The results were decisive, with 73% of respondents voting yes, leaving Haye visibly frustrated.
The Poll That Backfired
In a video shared on Tuesday, Haye addressed his fans directly, saying: "It's a quick question, ladies and gentlemen, because I'm still confused about the last couple of weeks. Do let me know whether, off the strength of watching I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2026 Legends edition, you think I'm a bully. Would you consider, 'Yes, I'm a bully' or 'No, it was all banter and it was all good'." He added that he was interested in the numbers because he felt he was "in a massive minority" thinking his behaviour was correct. At the time of writing, the poll had garnered 54,600 responses, with 73% voting yes and 27% voting no.
Fan Reactions
Many fans took to the comments to express their views. One user wrote: "It's not up to you. It's up to the person on the receiving end as to how you make them feel. If you're asked to stop, just stop. I don't understand your need to continue with your 'banter' if the other person has said stop it." Another commented: "From what we saw, yes. You're saying it was banter and it might well have been, but when Adam was clearly sick of it AND other campmates told you to leave it out, you carried on. That makes you a bully." A third added: "I think you took it too far, banter is funny if both parties are taking part and enjoying it. It was obvious you were winding Adam up and he'd had enough but you didn't give up. It was uncomfortable to watch."
Haye's Response
After seeing the results, Haye shared a screenshot on his Instagram story showing nearly 80% of votes in favour of "yes" and fumed: "So much for the sensible people!! Is the world truly that full of sensitive morons?!?" This reaction further fuelled criticism from fans who felt he was dismissing their concerns.
Adam Thomas Speaks Out
The conflict stemmed from Haye's interactions with Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas during the show. Thomas, who eventually won the series, has since spoken out about his experience. On his podcast, At Home With The Thomas Bros, he revealed that he sought therapy after the show. "I laughed it off and pretended like it was alright, so I can see it from the other campmates perspective, through their lens, why it might seem like it was banter and not bullying," he said. "But I'm telling you my truth and how I felt in there, and I'm telling you now, it was bullying." He added that when he confronted Haye after leaving the jungle, Haye told him: "I've never met a nicer guy, I just wanted to break you." Thomas concluded: "If that isn't classed as bullying, I don't know what is."
