David Haye Stuns Fans with Bold Response to Adam Thomas' Podcast Reflecting on His 'I'm a Celebrity' Experience – Video

While Thomas previously spoke of feeling "manipulated and exploited," Haye has now dismissed the claims outright — and hinted that more could soon come to light.

David Haye has posted a pointed Instagram video taking aim at "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! South Africa" winner Adam Thomas, after Thomas appeared alongside his brothers on a podcast and described his time in camp as an experience he would not have repeated even if he was paid £10 million.

The actor described Haye as a "bully" and revealed he sought therapy following their clashes in camp. The former heavyweight champion publicly hit back on 30 April 2026, delivering a blistering video response.

In his video, Haye dismissed Thomas' account as exaggerated, mocking both the actor and his brothers, Ryan and Scott, for what he characterised as an overreaction.

He told his followers that he had listened to the podcast at double speed, but called it "waffle" and expressed disbelief that Thomas had managed to position himself as the wronged party after, in Haye's view, giving out considerably more than he ever received in return.

He argued that the exchanges in camp amounted to nothing more than harmless teasing, describing them as "a little light sprinkling of primary school banter" and insisting he had been "so gentle" throughout. Haye went further, criticising what he framed as a broader cultural shift:

"Everyone's so [expletive] soft, it makes me sick. But it's the world we live in right now, and you're rewarded the softer and weaker you are."

The former heavyweight champion also took aim at Thomas' reaction to winning the show and added that the actor, who is nearing 40, was complaining despite receiving £100,000 for charity, endorsement opportunities, and potential television work.

In a particularly cutting moment, Haye ridiculed Thomas' persona, referring to him as "mister Flaccid" and accusing him of thriving on what he called "soft marshmallow energy."

He also issued a sharp warning, suggesting that new information could emerge that would "contradict" Thomas' version of events, signalling that the dispute may escalate further. "I'm looking forward to seeing the light of day. Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey," Haye continued.

His comments subsequently triggered a strong reaction online, with many condemning the tone and language used. "Well he can't deny bullying him now literally just called him Mr Flaccid [sic]," one person said.

Another shared, "Haye is just showing his true colours, we are individuals and just because some have a gentler personality and do show emotions doesnt make them weak, makes them true to themselves. The weakness is with you Haye for not accepting this and being a bully. Hold your head up Adam [sic]."

What made the situation more textured was that, by the actor's own account, the two men had already reached something of a peace after filming.

Concerns over the nature of Haye's remarks were also raised, with one netizen commenting, "If Haye is threatening Adam, he wants locking up [sic]," as another added, "For a heavy weight boxer to threatened that a serious threat he should be very careful [sic]."

The row traces back to the ITV finale, where tensions boiled over as Haye openly insisted that Thomas did not deserve to win. As for the podcast that followed, the actor became visibly emotional while reflecting on his time in camp and claimed he felt "manipulated and exploited" during his interactions with Haye.

He also told his brothers that he felt "dead inside and numb" in the wake of the experience. Thomas added that while he had forgiven Haye, he found it genuinely difficult to understand how someone could want to make another person feel the way he had.

What made the situation more textured was that, by the actor's own account, the two men had already reached something of a peace after filming. They had exchanged voice messages and were, as Thomas put it, "just bantering and having a laugh."

He even claimed that Haye had told him directly, "You're the nicest guy I've ever met and I just wanted to break you," had apologised, and that he had accepted it and moved on. Thomas continued:

"I think for David and some of the campmates that have come out and been on the live show and everything, I feel like it's just a show for them. It's entertainment. It's fun. For me, it's not about entertainment."

Ultimately, it seemed that whatever ground had been covered between them, things shifted again. As Adam Thomas recalled receiving a congratulatory message from Haye after his win, he shared, "I just sent him a message back just saying, you know, 'I think this is where we draw the line, and I hope that you find happiness, bro, but I'm done.'"

As both men hold firm to their opposing accounts, the fallout from the series continues to unfold — with Haye's latest warning suggesting the story may be far from over.

As we previously reported, a seemingly light-hearted morning in camp took a tense turn when former professional boxer David Haye and actor Adam Thomas reignited their ongoing friction, with barbed remarks and visible irritation dominating the exchange.

When Banter Becomes Something More

The moment unfolded during the latest episode of "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! South Africa," when contestants had initially woken in high spirits.

Thomas, 37, appeared upbeat as he greeted campmates, casually noting, "I felt like it wasn't that cold last night, though." However, Haye, 45, quickly steered the tone elsewhere, replying, "That's because the warm love everyone's been giving you."

Thomas shot back, "Apart from you," setting the tone for what followed. What began as teasing soon edged into something more pointed, as Haye continued to challenge Thomas's resilience and mindset. "Someone's got to keep it real, don't they?" the 45-year-old remarked.

Despite the visible irritation, Haye continued, seemingly doubling down with sarcastic remarks that kept the exchange alive.

"I spent my whole life trying not to be in that place of fainting or losing consciousness or whatever. It feels like you're trying to get to it so comfortably," he added.

Thomas firmly pushed back, insisting, "No, I'm fighting very hard not to get to it, mate. And you're not helping." The tension simmered as camp chatter briefly shifted to a previous challenge, but the focus soon returned to the pair.

When Thomas explained he had faltered due to "an itch on me elbow," Haye interjected, "He didn't have the mental strength not to itch an itch." That comment appeared to strike a nerve.

"Shut up, man. Honestly, just shut up now," Thomas snapped, his frustration becoming increasingly clear. Despite the visible irritation, Haye continued, seemingly doubling down with sarcastic remarks that kept the exchange alive.

"No, I'm just saying. But you weren't well, though. You weren't well, though, was you?" he said, prompting Thomas to respond, "Shut up, bro. All day, every day for two days straight. Just chill."

As the exchange intensified, Thomas drew a line, declaring, "Enough's enough now, bro." Fellow contestant and former football player Jimmy Bullard stepped in, urging, "Let him wake up, Dave," attempting to defuse the situation.

Despite the eventual laughter, some viewers were not convinced by the lighter tone and took to social media to voice concern over the exchange.

Thomas questioned the ongoing digs, asking, "Why are you coming for me like for two days?" to which Haye replied, "I'm trying to be nice—I'm trying to be caring," likening it to "big brother being caring."

Bullard later reflected in a confessional that "David's being David," but noted that Thomas had been feeling low, which made the situation "seem twice as bad." However, just as the moment appeared to reach a breaking point, the mood shifted — revealing a more playful undertone beneath the friction.

It was Bullard who eventually broke the mood entirely, drawing a comparison between the pair and a couple making up after a row, telling them the friendship would only be stronger for it.

Both Haye and Thomas began to laugh, easing the tension. The former even joked, "I'm looking forward to that phase," signalling that the clash may not have been as serious as it first appeared.

Viewers Were Not Laughing

Despite the eventual laughter, some viewers were not convinced by the lighter tone and took to social media to voice concern over the exchange.

One person said, "Why wasn't something said then [sic]. It was a hard watch." Another shared, "David Haye should not have been shown on TV. This was recorded last year. ITV should never have broadcast."

Others expressed frustration at the lack of intervention. "Why is no one stepping in and stopping this [sic]" one commented, while another added, "He over stepped [sic] the mark. I hope he goes next."

A more decisive reaction came from another viewer, who typed, "If David does not go tonight I will be not watching any more, Adam does not deserve this and the show producers should put a holt to this ASAP [sic]. Just my opinion."

'He Broke Me in There' – Thomas Reflects on 'Toughest' Experience After Filming Wrapped

Following his return home, Thomas addressed the experience directly, offering a candid and emotional reflection on his time in camp. In an Instagram post dated 19 April 2026, the actor admitted the experience had taken a significant toll.

He described the show as "one of the toughest things I've ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally," revealing that watching it back had been particularly difficult. Thomas also acknowledged:

"There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I’m honest, times I didn’t even recognise myself."

The former contestant also opened up about living with arthritis, explaining that it "really took its toll" during the show, while he tried to maintain a brave face despite the pain.

Reflecting on his behaviour, Thomas admitted he did not always handle situations perfectly, noting, "I wish I spoke up for myself sooner." However, he added that the experience ultimately helped him find his voice and gain perspective.

The actor also confirmed that he and Haye had since addressed the situation privately. He stated, "He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits," but added that the former professional boxer had apologised and that he had "moved on now."

Thomas concluded on a note of resilience, emphasising that despite wanting to quit at times, he never gave up and encouraged others to "be kind."

Haye Doubled Down as 'Professional Victim' Remark Fueled Backlash

Since his exit from the show, Haye intensified the fallout surrounding his clash with Thomas, launching a fresh and pointed critique during a televised interview that has since reignited debate around their on-screen dynamic.

Speaking on "This Morning" on 23 April 2026, the former boxer dismissed suggestions of bullying and instead turned his focus on Thomas, accusing him of exaggerating events.

The remarks quickly drew a strong response online, with many taking issue with Haye's comments and delivery during the interview.

When pressed by hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Haye insisted that Thomas was "playing the victim card," repeatedly describing him as a "professional victim." He claimed that key moments had not been broadcast, suggesting the public had only seen a partial version of events.

Haye argued that Thomas's health struggles appeared at "convenient times," stating, "Whenever there was a trial, his sickness popped up and I just called that out."

While acknowledging that Thomas was "a super sweet guy," he maintained his stance, adding that he had even explained "what banter is" during a long flight they shared after filming.

Despite attempts by the presenters to challenge his tone, Haye stood firm, further claiming that the narrative presented on screen had worked in Thomas's favour. He suggested that editing choices meant other campmates' perspectives had not been fully shown, adding:

"But don't take my word for it, watch the live show, listen to what the other campmates say."

The remarks quickly drew a strong response online, with many taking issue with Haye's comments and delivery during the interview. One person commented, "He should be barred from tv hes a horrible man [sic]."

Another shared, "Couldn't watch the end of this. Clearly David not a nice man if all he can do is criticise someone for the whole interview. I think David is the one who seems to be saying he's a victim [sic]."

Others questioned his approach more broadly. "Wow, I've only seen clips and heard a bit of what's happened. But my goodness, this man has done himself no favours!" one wrote.

"He's been told that Adam needed therapy when he came back and this guy just brushed past it! Unempathetic and signs possibly of sociopathic or narcissistic behaviour," they added.

A further reaction read, "If he like this on tv, wonder what his home life is like, BULLY!!! [sic]," as criticism continued to mount. The interview added a new layer to an already divisive storyline, with Haye's comments sharpening the contrast between differing accounts of what unfolded inside the camp.