Former boxing champion David Haye has intensified his feud with actor Adam Thomas after their appearance on 'I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!' with a provocative social media post, reigniting discussions about bullying and acceptable conduct on the program.

Escalating Conflict

The strained relationship between Haye, 45, and Thomas, 37, began during filming of the show last September in the South African jungle. Haye has faced accusations of bullying following the broadcast of several exchanges.

Provocative Social Media Post

Haye’s latest response came in the form of an AI-generated image shared on Tuesday evening, depicting himself in boxing shorts giving the middle finger. The image was accompanied by audio of Thomas stating, “I’ve got no issues David, you’re my only issue right now,” taken from a conversation within the camp.

Adam Thomas's Emotional Response

Adam Thomas, in a deeply emotional statement released on Sunday, revealed the significant toll the experience took on him, stating he struggled “physically, mentally and emotionally” and felt “broken” by the interactions. He detailed the challenges of living with arthritis and the exhaustion of concealing his pain while attempting to maintain a brave face.

Initial Confrontation

The conflict initially escalated when Thomas informed his campmates he was unwell and unable to participate in the ‘Termite Terror’ trial. Haye responded with dismissive remarks, questioning Thomas’s commitment and suggesting his dinner portion should be smaller. This led to a direct confrontation, with Thomas demanding to speak with Haye privately.

Show Hosts and Haye's Defense

Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly expressed their discomfort with the exchanges, describing Haye’s behaviour as picking at Thomas and crossing the line from playful banter. Haye, however, defended his actions, claiming he was on his best behaviour.

'Banter' vs. Bullying

Haye initially downplayed the situation as “banter,” while Thomas expressed regret for not speaking up sooner and standing his ground, but affirmed that kindness does not equate to weakness. The situation has also been linked to the departure of Jimmy Bullard from the show.