David Haye has announced plans to sue ITV for what he claims will be ‘way more than £10 million’ over his depiction on I’m A Celebrity…South Africa. The former boxer, 45, took to social media to confirm reports that he is pursuing legal action for defamation, alleging the show’s edit was deliberately manipulated to cast him as the ‘pantomime villain’.
Legal Action Confirmed
In a video shared online, Haye stated he has instructed lawyers to send a letter to the broadcaster demanding a full investigation into the editing process. He said: ‘The answer is yes. I’m not sure if you know me that well but those who do know that I don’t like getting pushed around. I don’t like people taking advantage.’
Haye claimed he has been ‘inundated’ with questions from followers about the lawsuit, which was first reported by The Sun. The report indicated that Haye’s legal team had contacted ITV seeking compensation for ‘irreparable brand damage’ caused by his portrayal in the all-stars series.
Accusations of Manipulation
Haye was a central figure in the acrimonious live finale, which saw him clash with winner Adam Thomas. During the broadcast, Haye criticised Thomas as not a ‘worthy winner’ and faced backlash for comments about women, including a theory on ‘ugly duckling syndrome’ deemed sexist by campmate Beverley Callard. Haye now accuses ITV of manipulating scenes to create a negative narrative.
‘When you’re right and the decision comes down to a judge, once the tapes have been viewed and the evidence has been presented, they’ll realise that this reality TV might not be that real, maybe it’s manipulated heavily and directed in a certain narrative for a specific reason,’ Haye said.
Compensation Claim
Regarding the amount he is seeking, Haye spoke cryptically: ‘There are lots of different elements I can’t talk about but in regards to how much this claim is going to be, I’m hearing this £10 million number banded around. The number I’m going to hit them with is way more than that.’
ITV has been contacted for comment. The network has not yet responded to the allegations. Haye’s legal action adds to the controversy surrounding the reality show, which crowned Thomas as the ultimate legend after a dramatic final.
