Former boxing champion David Haye has intensified his feud with actor Adam Thomas after appearing on 'I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!' with a provocative social media post, reigniting discussions about alleged bullying and the show’s effects on participants.

Feud Continues After the Jungle

David Haye, 45, and Adam Thomas, 37, had a strained relationship during filming of the show last September. Haye has faced accusations of bullying following the broadcast of several exchanges, including calling Thomas “useless” when he withdrew from a trial due to his psoriatic arthritis.

Provocative Social Media Post

Haye’s latest action involved sharing an AI-generated image of himself in boxing shorts, prominently displaying his middle finger. The image is accompanied by audio of Thomas saying, “I’ve got no issues David, you’re my only issue right now,” from a conversation within the camp. This follows Haye’s initial response where he described the situation as “banter.”

Adam Thomas Reveals Emotional Toll

Adam Thomas, in a statement released on Sunday, revealed the significant emotional and physical toll the experience took on him. He stated that Haye had “broken” him, and described struggling with his arthritis and masking his pain. He admitted he didn’t always handle situations as he wished and wished he had spoken up sooner.

Emphasis on Kindness and Voice

Thomas emphasized the importance of kindness not being equated with weakness and the value of finding one’s voice through challenging experiences.

Criticism from Hosts and Viewers

The exchanges between Haye and Thomas have drawn criticism from viewers and hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who described the interactions as “uncomfortable” and a crossing of the line from playful banter. Donnelly noted Haye “won’t stop” picking at Thomas, while McPartlin highlighted Thomas’s struggles.

Haye Defends His Behaviour

Haye maintains he was on his “best behaviour” and struggles to understand Thomas’s claim that the show was the “hardest thing he’s ever been through,” given his own boxing career. The situation has also been linked to the departure of Jimmy Bullard, whose clash with Thomas was recently aired.

Impact on Well-being

The fallout continues, raising questions about acceptable behaviour and the impact of reality television on participants’ well-being. The incident highlights the complexities of interpersonal dynamics under pressure and the importance of addressing mental and physical health challenges openly.