Ashley Banjo has hit back at trolls who criticised him for a comment he made on his ex-wife’s Instagram post.
The Diversity star announced his shock split from wife Francesca Abbott just before Christmas.
But the 34-year-old revealed they had in fact decided to separate 18 months ago, but kept the split a secret until they were ready to tell people.
As the pair share two children, they have kept things amicable and continue to co-parent together.
So when Francesca shared a post celebrating her 36th birthday, Ashley thought he was doing the right thing by sending his regards.
However, not everyone saw it that way, particularly when they saw the choice of words he used in the comment.
Posting a photo of herself dressed in a metallic corset top, black mini skirt and heels as she celebrated the milestone, Francesca wrote: “30... + 6.”
Ex Ashley was quick to comment underneath, writing: “Happy birthday dude.”
But it didn’t go down well with fans who called him out for the use of word ‘dude’ and claimed it was inappropriate.
One follower wrote: “Dude?? Sore” while another said: “Ouch!!!!” followed by an red-faced emoji.
Hitting back, Ashley said: “For those of you who wish to comment in outrage. This is what we’ve called each other for over a decade and a half. But your input is very much appreciated.”
Francesca backed her ex up writing: “Thanks dude” with a love heart emoji.
In response to Ashley’s clapback, the mum-of-two then added: “Shut down lol. He’s right though... we really have.”
Some of Francesca’s 112,000 followers admitted they still have affectionate names for their current partner or exes – including dude!
One commented: “My partner calls me dude and mate, been together 14 years.”
“That’s what me and my ex called each other for 11 years and still do another 6 years later... better than what my brother’s fiancée calls him…poo!” said another.
A third wrote: “Some people think these days that if you split from a partner/husband/wife you should automatically hate or dislike them. It’s amazing to see you still have that friendly relationship and are keeping it real for your kids.”
Announcing their split in a joint statement, Ashley and Francesca said their focus now is on their kids, Rose, four, and two-year-old Micah.
The former childhood sweethearts said their lives had moved in different directions, but they would continue to try and be "best friends to each other."
A statement, uploaded to both their Instagram accounts, read: "After much thought and consideration we both feel now is the time to share some personal news.
"Nearly 18 months ago we took the difficult decision to separate. After being together for over 16 years, since we were teenagers, this is not a decision that has been taken lightly.”
They added: "Every decision that has been made is to make sure we can continue as a loving family and give the very best of ourselves as parents.
"Raising Rose and Micah in a healthy and happy environment is the most important thing to both of us.
"Sometimes after so many years people just move in different directions, but we do so lovingly and we continue to try and be both the best parents possible and the best of friends to each other."
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