Former professional boxer David Haye is continuing to publicly defend his criticism of actor Adam Thomas, a fellow contestant on “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” This has sparked a wider conversation about bullying and mental health.

Feud Origins on 'I'm A Celebrity'

The ongoing conflict stems from interactions during the show, filmed last September. Haye repeatedly questioned Thomas’s willingness to participate in challenges, particularly after Thomas excused himself from a trial due to health concerns related to his psoriatic arthritis.

Haye's Comments and Thomas's Response

Haye has described Thomas as ‘weak,’ comparing him unfavorably to more assertive animals like a ‘chihuahua’ versus a ‘doberman’ or ‘pit bull.’ He stated, “Everyone’s got something,” dismissing Thomas’s condition. Thomas has since revealed he is in therapy as a result of Haye’s behavior.

Impact on Adam Thomas

Thomas described Haye’s actions as “mind f***ing” during a podcast with his brothers, Scott and Ryan. He expressed regret for not confronting Haye during their time in the jungle, stating the experience felt like a return to psychological bullying from his school days.

Thomas acknowledged that he is “not the same person” since the show and that the experience has been mentally damaging. He emphasized the difficulty of escaping the situation within the confined jungle environment.

Haye Remains Unapologetic

Despite the impact on Thomas, Haye remains largely unapologetic. He has even commented on TikTok videos featuring the Thomas brothers, labeling them ‘feminine.’ He argues his comments do not constitute bullying, suggesting Thomas is ‘soft’ and ‘weak’ if a few remarks could ‘break’ him.

Partial Admission and Lingering Effects

Haye did admit to Thomas that he has “a heart of gold” and offered an explanation for his behavior. However, Thomas continues to grapple with the emotional fallout, highlighting the need for professional support. The situation raises questions about acceptable behavior in competitive settings and the potential for psychological harm caused by public criticism.