Gemma Collins addresses Adam Thomas ‘bullying’ row as she says she wasn’t afraid to ‘protect’ the actor against David Haye on I’m A Celeb

by

Gemma Collins has spoken about the disagreement between Adam Thomas and David Haye during ‘I’m A Celeb South Africa,’ stating she was ready to stand up for Adam if needed.

The three celebrities are appearing on the All Star South Africa version of the ITV show, which was filmed in September 2025.

Adam, 37, and David, 45, clashed last week when the Waterloo Road actor violated camp rules. They argued again when Adam felt sick and didn’t want to participate in a challenge, leading David, a former boxer, to call him ‘useless’.

Gemma recently posted a video on Instagram showing David confronting him about his reluctance to participate in the trial.

She wrote a message while watching the show, saying we need to support her friend Adam Thomas no matter what! She encouraged everyone to always stand up for their best friends, especially while watching ‘I’m a Celebrity.’

True loyalty isn’t flashy; it’s dependable. It means consistently supporting someone, even when they’re not around to hear it, and defending their reputation, especially when it’s challenged.

‘Because a real one doesn’t just stand beside you… they stand for you.’

This week, 45-year-old Gemma appeared on ‘I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked’ with Carol Vorderman and host Sam Thompson, where she publicly criticized David.

The conversation quickly shifted to David, the ex-heavyweight boxing champion. Gemma, a former star of the reality show TOWIE, criticized his boxing record, stating, ‘David lost quite often.’

That’s worrying. Honestly, I questioned how he could be a heavyweight champion for a moment there. I felt bad for David, and it seems he’s continuing to lose.

I’m not sure if he understood, but I think it bothered him. It just goes to show we all make mistakes and have feelings.

Oh my gosh, and then Gemma finally talked about the whole thing with Adam and David! Everyone was saying it was totally bullying, and I was SO worried, so I was glued to the screen when she brought it up. It was such a relief to hear her acknowledge what was happening between them, honestly!

Adam had been feeling sick, but David reacted negatively, calling his behavior unhelpful and saying he disliked men who acted that way.

David made this remark within Adam’s earshot, as well as other members of the camp.

Gemma believes David Haye noticed Adam was vulnerable during the fight. She even had to step in a few times to defend Adam.

Look, when I’m facing someone like David Haye, it’s tempting to go all out, really try to dominate. But I quickly realized that if I’d given into that, it would’ve been a total mess. I had to stay focused, keep my cool, and just be myself – not try to put on a show. I wasn’t there to perform for anyone, just to fight as me.

I think by extending my arms, I was trying to signal to everyone that I’d had enough, without getting angry.

She explained that she always had a plan to bring David in if things became unmanageable.

I’m ready to face any challenge, even the best fighters in the world. If a situation seems overwhelming, I won’t hesitate to take action.

When Adam explained he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to skip the trial, David responded with a very rude and dismissive comment.

Beverley Callard confronted David, imploring him to have ‘sympathy and empathy’ for his campmate.

He replied: ‘He’s a grown ass man. I don’t like guys when they’re a bit useless. There it is.’

One online viewer commented that David should leave the show, stating his behavior wasn’t playful teasing, but outright bullying. They added, ‘I don’t like it at all.’

Someone else wrote, ‘David Haye is acting like a bully and should be removed for his unacceptable behavior.’

A third chimed in: ‘How has David not been removed for bullying yet?’

David faced criticism earlier in the show when he described a woman he dated as physically attractive but having an unpleasant personality, which many viewers considered misogynistic.

David explained that he believes women considered less attractive often have more appealing personalities, suggesting their wit and humor draw attention away from their physical appearance.

The retired boxing champion was talking about his girlfriend, Sian Osborne, and Scarlett Moffatt and Ashley reacted with clear shock to what he said.

Viewers criticized David for making negative comments about Gemma’s weight and for sending Beverley to the less desirable Savannah Scrub camp early in the show.

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Read More

2026-04-20 23:06