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, sparking further debate over alleged bullying and the impact of the show on contestants’ well-being.

Feud Continues After the Jungle

David Haye, 45, and Adam Thomas, 37, had a strained relationship during filming of the show last September in South Africa. Haye has faced accusations of bullying following the broadcast of several exchanges, including a harsh comment where he labelled Thomas ‘useless’ for withdrawing from a trial due to his autoimmune condition, psoriatic arthritis.

Provocative Social Media Response

Haye’s latest response came in the form of an AI-generated image shared on Tuesday evening. The image depicts him in boxing shorts giving the middle finger. This 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 Details Emotional Toll

This follows Haye’s initial comments after his exit, where he downplayed the situation as ‘banter’. Adam Thomas, in a deeply emotional statement released on Sunday, revealed the significant toll the experience took on him. He stated he struggled “physically, mentally and emotionally” and felt “broken” by the ordeal.

Challenges with Arthritis

Thomas detailed the challenges of living with arthritis and the exhaustion of concealing his pain while attempting to maintain a brave face. He expressed regret for not speaking up sooner and standing his ground, but affirmed that kindness does not equate to weakness.

Escalation of the Conflict

The conflict 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 well-being and criticizing him as ‘useless’. He even suggested Thomas should receive a smaller portion of food.

Show Hosts and Public Reaction

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the hosts of ‘I’m A Celebrity’, publicly expressed their discomfort with the exchanges, noting that Haye’s actions had crossed the line from playful banter into something more concerning. Haye, however, defended his behaviour, claiming he was on his ‘best behaviour’.

Disagreement Over Show Difficulty

Haye also stated that Thomas’s description of the show as the ‘hardest thing he’s ever been through’ was incongruous with Haye’s own experiences in rigorous boxing training. The situation has also shed light on Jimmy Bullard’s departure from the show, following a separate clash with Thomas.