I'm A Celebrity Viewers Express Fury Over David Haye's Behavior
Disgusted fans of I'm A Celebrity have launched a furious campaign to have former heavyweight boxing champion David Haye voted off the show following his controversial comments about fellow contestants. The 45-year-old athlete's attitude has sparked widespread criticism across social media platforms, with viewers demanding his immediate eviction from the jungle camp.
Controversial Comments Spark Outrage
During Thursday night's episode, which saw the Savannah Scrub campmates reunite with the Main Camp after Craig Charles faced Gemma Collins in an eating trial, David Haye ignited a firestorm of criticism with his blunt assessment of other celebrities' value to the group. Sitting around the camp, Haye initiated a discussion about which campmates should join the Main Camp, emphasizing the need for contributors rather than what he termed "dead weight."
When fellow contestant Scarlett Moffatt suggested Beverley Callard, Haye questioned her value to the group, asking: "What's she adding? What value is she adding?" Craig Charles defended Callard by noting her age and the comfort she could provide, but Haye remained unconvinced, laughing as he suggested letting contestants "fight it out."
Sportsman's Mindset or Poor Sportsmanship?
In the bush telegraph, Haye defended his approach by explaining: "I think it's a sportsman's mindset. You're looking for the best team. Are you going to do your job and is it going to assist me being better at what I do so I can win and then we all eat well?" However, this justification failed to appease viewers who found his comments unnecessarily harsh and dismissive of his fellow celebrities.
The backlash intensified when Haye expressed visible annoyance about the camp receiving only six stars for their trial performance, with many fans criticizing his apparent inability to accept anything less than perfection.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
Across various social media platforms, viewers voiced their frustration with Haye's behavior. One fan declared on X: "Can David Haye be the first one booted out please?" while another commented: "Well don't think David is going to win now." Multiple viewers questioned his authenticity, with one asking: "Is David for real???"
Several fans expressed hope that Haye would face similar challenges in future trials, with one writing: "Let's hoping when David Haye gets to do a challenge he gets no stars." Another viewer summarized the widespread frustration: "What the heck is up with David? Why is he upset with anything that's less than ten stars? Does he ever think in any way that's not logical? Jesus Christ, show some emotion!"
Comparisons to Other Sports Personalities
Many viewers drew unfavorable comparisons between Haye and fellow sportsman Sir Mo Farah, noting that Farah's approach to the competition has been markedly different. One fan observed: "Mo is also a sportsman, you don't see him acting this way," while adding that Haye "doesn't care about people's feelings only what 'value' they have to the group. How about just being a kind person? Is it SO hard?"
Previous Tensions in the Camp
This controversy follows earlier tension between Haye and Gemma Collins, who previously accused him of denying her water during her eating trial against Craig Charles. Despite this conflict, Collins' performance in the challenge won over many viewers who declared they were now "rooting for her" in the competition.
The growing backlash against Haye represents a significant shift in viewer sentiment, with many who initially supported the former champion now calling for his removal from the show. As the competition continues, all eyes will be on whether Haye's approach evolves or whether viewer pressure leads to his early departure from the jungle.
I'm A Celebrity South Africa continues to air weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with viewers eagerly anticipating whether the controversy surrounding David Haye will affect his standing in the competition.
