David Haye sparks controversy with remarks about girlfriend
Former boxer David Haye provoked outrage during Tuesday’s episode of I’m A Celebrity after making controversial remarks about his girlfriend Sian Osborne, reports BritPanorama.
The 45-year-old was discussing his partner with fellow campmates when he described her as “tall, blue eyes” before adding, “She’s lovely, she’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”
Fellow contestant Sinitta had just remarked that Osborne sounded “drop dead gorgeous” when Haye made the comment. Scarlett Moffatt reacted with visible disbelief, telling him, “You can’t say that, David! You can’t say that.”
Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts appeared equally stunned by the remark, asking Haye to explain what he meant by the statement. Haye then attempted to justify his comments by elaborating on his theory about women’s appearances and personalities. “Most ugly girls realise they’ve got to have a personality to banter, tell jokes and s**t,” he explained.
Haye continued, referencing what he called “Ugly Duckling Syndrome,” whereby women who were unattractive in their youth become beautiful later in life but retain the personality traits from their past. “But they’ve still got the personality of when they’re ugly,” he added.
Roberts responded by looking down and pulling her hair across her face, groaning, “Oh, dear God…” Her reaction reflected the discomfort felt by several campmates as Haye continued his explanation. Social media users quickly condemned Haye’s remarks, with viewers taking to X to express their anger.
One person branded the boxer “pathetic” with “all brawn and no brains,” while another asked, “Who the hell does this David Haye think he is? Misogynist much??!!” Others described his comments as “disgusting” and called him a “vile human being” for his views on women.
Several questioned the decision to bring Haye back to the programme, with one user stating, “How the hell did David Haye make third place last time?” Another remarked they could not understand why he had been invited to return, describing him as “so sexist.”
Elsewhere in the episode, Gemma Collins provided an unintentional moment of comedy when she tumbled backwards out of a hammock while trying to sit down. Haye rushed over to assist Collins, telling her, “That’s a terrible start.” “I’m fine, I’ve had a lot worse falls, oh, thank you David,” Collins reassured concerned campmate Adam Thomas.
The unfolding dynamic of reality television continues to highlight how easily personal views can overshadow the intended entertainment, a reminder of the blurred lines between celebrity and accountability.
