Former world boxing champion David Haye has finally broken his silence following the explosive fallout from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! South Africa — and he’s making it very clear that his legal battle with ITV is only just beginning.
The 45-year-old star revealed he is preparing to sue the broadcaster for “way more” than £10million after claiming the show caused “irreparable damage” to his reputation during his chaotic appearance in the jungle.
Speaking in a lengthy social media video, David confirmed the rumours were true and insisted he has no intention of backing down.
“I’ve been inundated with people wanting a statement in regards to the legal situation with ITV and this defamation case,” he said.
“The answer is yes I am. I’m not sure if you know me that well but those who do know that I don’t like getting pushed around. I don’t like people taking advantage.”
The former boxer then admitted that while he may have ignored situations in the past, this time he plans to take the fight all the way.
“I’ve had stuff happen in the past, I’ve let certain stuff go, but as I’ve got older I’m like, ‘nah, you’re taking the p**s’. I’m going to take it as far as it needs to go.”
David’s dramatic stint on the ITV reality show became one of the most controversial storylines of the series after he repeatedly clashed with eventual winner Adam Thomas.
The tension reached boiling point during the live final when David and former footballer Jimmy Bullard launched a furious verbal attack on the actor.
Viewers watched in shock as accusations of “bullying” quickly spread online, while Jimmy repeatedly described Adam’s behaviour as “abusive, aggressive and intimidating” — a phrase closely linked to the programme’s conduct rules.
Now David is claiming ITV manipulated footage shown on the All Stars spin-off in order to create a specific narrative around him.
“When you’re right and the decision comes down to a judge… Once the tapes have been viewed and the evidence has been presented, they’ll realise that this reality TV might not be that real, maybe it’s manipulated heavily and directed in a certain narrative for a specific reason,” he claimed.
“I’m looking forward to a judge seeing exactly what went down, so they can make their decision.”
And when it came to the eye-watering amount he plans to demand from ITV, David hinted the reported £10million figure may only be the beginning.
“There’s lots of different elements I can’t talk about but in regards to how much this claim is going to be, I’m hearing this £10 million number banded around…”
“The number I’m going to hit them with is way more than that.”
The explosive statement has already sent shockwaves through fans of the show, with many now wondering whether unseen footage from the jungle could eventually be revealed in court.
