Adam Thomas Breaks Silence on David Haye Feud in Emotional Statement
I'm A Celebrity South Africa's Adam Thomas has released a lengthy and emotional statement addressing how David Haye treated him during the show, shedding light on a conflict that has sparked widespread discussion. The statement comes after a tense moment on the program where David criticised Adam for refusing to participate in a trial.
The Incident That Sparked the Feud
During the show, campmates had to decide who would undertake the latest trial. Adam Thomas, feeling unwell, suggested that Ashley Roberts should do it instead, as it was her birthday. Despite Adam joking that he could win "ten stars," David Haye was not pleased with his response.
David told Adam: "Stop whining about dehydration. You ain't done s--- since you've been here." Even when fellow campmates called him out, David doubled down, stating he hated "useless guys." This uncomfortable scene has led to significant fallout, with not only Adam addressing it but also the show's hosts, Ant and Dec, weighing in on the situation.
Adam's Emotional Instagram Statement
Taking to Instagram, Adam posted a picture of himself in bed on the show along with a heartfelt statement. He wrote: "Not going to lie, this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality…"
He described his time in I’m a Celebrity South Africa as one of the toughest experiences he has ever faced, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Adam shared that living with arthritis in the jungle took a major "toll" on both his body and mental health, stating: "My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself."
Reflecting on the experience, Adam said: "I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace. But I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being weak, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice."
Moving On from the Conflict
Although Adam admitted that David "broke" him in the jungle, he revealed that the pair have since made up after he let go of the anger and chose peace instead. He explained: "He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now, am not one to hold a grudge."
At the end of his statement, Adam reminded everyone to "be kind" and shared that such challenges can ultimately make a person stronger.
Reactions from Ant, Dec, and Family
Hosts Ant and Dec also commented on the situation during the show’s podcast, I’m A Celebrity...Unpacked. Ant said: "It’s not a nice watch, is it? He just, kind of, picks at him and picks at them. And Adam's had a bit of a tough time and he's not coping very well with it."
Dec added: "It’s gone on a bit too long. It's kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch."
Adam's twin brother, former Love Island star Scott Thomas, reposted the statement on his Instagram story with supportive words: "It's tough watching my twin bro go through that in there...makes my blood boil! To see someone's pure heart be tested like that is hard to watch, especially my brothers. But I understand he had to go through his own journey in there and the man he's become during/ since this experience has made me so proud!"
Adam's Arthritis Journey
Before the show aired, Adam spoke to Capital about managing his arthritis in the jungle. He said: "It was difficult at times. But you know, I'm on these injections at the minute and luckily we were well looked after in there. And so I had my injections and yeah, it wasn't too bad, really."
During the interview, Adam also learned he had been named the 'worst campmate' by some fellow contestants. He seemed surprised but admitted he slept a lot and was "literally going from bed to bed." This revelation adds context to his struggles and the emotional weight of his statement.
