Boxer David Haye has sparked controversy and condemnation on I’m A Celebrity South Africa after he discussed his girlfriend, Sian Osborne, and the personalities of "ugly birds".
Haye began by describing Osborne, stating: "She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird." When challenged by Scarlett Moffatt, who told him "you can’t say that", Haye continued to elaborate on his theory.
He suggested: "Most ugly girls realise they’re not pretty enough… they’ve got to have a personality to banter and tell jokes to overlook that they’re not aesthetically amazing straight away."
Haye termed this the "Ugly Duckling syndrome", where girls who are initially perceived as unattractive develop strong personalities that persist even if they become more conventionally attractive later in life.
Conversely, he claimed: "Most super pretty girls are idiots. But their ugly friend, they’ve got to work a bit harder. They’ve got to be more personable, they’ve got to be nicer to everyone."
The comments were met with disbelief within the camp, with Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts shaking her head. Soap star Beverley Callard directly questioned Haye, asking: "Does that mean handsome men have s**t personalities?" Haye responded by saying he "does not pay attention to men".
Reacting to a clip of Haye’s monologue on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid commented: "I love that Scarlett just sits there going, ‘You cannot say that. He’s completely unfiltered." When asked for her thoughts on what Haye meant, Reid dismissed the remarks, stating: "I just don’t think it bears scrutiny."
The TV presenter appeared unimpressed by Haye’s comments, which were made during a group chat with fellow campmates.
Co-host Ed Balls then added, "there are very many attractive women who cook well", prompting showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold to warn him: "Oh Ed, minefield!"
I’m A Celebrity South Africa continues on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm.
