David Haye's Girlfriend Praises 'Ugly Bird' Comments as Flattering Compliment
While viewers of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa expressed outrage over David Haye's remarks about his girlfriend, model Sian Osborne has revealed she found the comments deeply flattering. The professional boxer, 45, sparked controversy last week when he referred to Osborne, whom he began dating in 2020, as an 'ugly duckling' during camp conversations.
Campmates React with Disgust
Fellow celebrities including Scarlett Moffatt and Ashley Roberts recoiled at Haye's comments, with the Gogglebox star directly confronting him: 'You can't say that!' Undeterred, Haye doubled down on his remarks, insisting that while Osborne is 'lovely,' she 'has the personality of a proper ugly bird.'
'Most ugly girls realise they've gotta have a personality and the banter to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they're not aesthetically amazing straight away,' Haye told his astonished campmates. He further explained his perspective as 'ugly duckling syndrome,' where 'girls are ugly when they start off, then they get pretty as they get older, but they've still got the personality of when they were ugly.'
Social Media Fury and Feminist Backlash
Social media platforms erupted with condemnation as the conversation aired, with users branding Haye 'disgusting' and 'sexist.' The backlash highlighted broader concerns about misogynistic language in reality television and public discourse.
Osborne's Surprising Defense
In a revealing interview with The Sun, Osborne, 33, offered a completely different perspective on the controversial remarks. 'I'm fluent in David by now, and my family find it hilarious,' she explained. 'When David tells me I have the personality of an ugly bird — meaning a girl so full of life and character that her looks become irrelevant — he is giving me something the entire modelling industry never once did.'
Osborne described her partner as 'the embodiment of masculinity,' which she believes 'women aren't used to anymore.' She acknowledged that his female campmates 'kicked off' but expressed feeling 'completely safe next to David because he is exactly who he says he is at all times.'
Family Adoption of the Term
The model revealed that her own relatives have now embraced the term 'ugly duckling' in what she describes as an 'endearing' manner. Her mother was reportedly 'absolutely delighted' by the entire situation, adding a personal dimension to the public controversy.
Feminism and Personal Choice
Addressing the feminist critique of Haye's comments, Osborne argued that 'the entire point of feminism was that women should not be told what to do, or have their choices made for them.' She called it 'hypocritical' for others to insist she should be 'offended by something [she] found funny,' emphasizing her right to interpret the remarks according to her own relationship dynamics.
I'm A Celebrity Context and Competition
David Haye filmed the second All Stars series of I'm A Celebrity last September, with Osborne flying out to stay at the Kruger National Park during his stint. The heavyweight champion first participated in the show in 2012, finishing third, and now faces tough competition from popular campmates including Gemma Collins, Harry Redknapp, Sir Mo Farah, and Adam Thomas.
Additional Controversies and Viewer Reactions
Haye's behavior has generated multiple controversies during the series, including appearing to 'fat-shame' TOWIE star Gemma Collins and denying her water. He's been labeled a 'sore loser' for plotting to steal food from the rival camp and a 'bully' after clashing with Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas, who suffers from psoriatic arthritis.
Viewers have expressed frustration with Haye's conduct, with many arguing that producers should have 'stepped in' to address his problematic behavior. Social media users have called him 'infuriating' and noted that while he criticizes others, he has 'contributed nothing' substantial to camp life.
Show Format and Upcoming Finale
Unlike standard I'm A Celebrity seasons, this All Stars edition features pre-filmed eliminations determined by campmates rather than public vote. Comedian Seann Walsh was the first to be eliminated under this format. However, the final will air live from London this month, with hosts Ant and Dec announcing the new Jungle Legend after a public vote determines the winner.
Whether Haye will reach the finale remains uncertain, but his girlfriend's unexpected defense of his controversial comments has added a new layer to the ongoing discussion about language, relationships, and personal interpretation in the public eye.
