I’m a Celebrity star facing backlash for ‘ugly bird’ comment about girlfriend

EntertainmentLifestyle
14 Apr 2026 • 6:33 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

I’m a Celebrity star facing backlash for ‘ugly bird’ comment about girlfriend

  • Boxer David Haye sparked controversy on I'm A Celebrity South Africa with comments about his girlfriend and the personalities of "ugly birds".
  • Haye described his girlfriend, Sian Osborne, as having the "personality of a proper ugly bird" and suggested that less attractive women develop stronger personalities.
  • He termed this the "Ugly Duckling syndrome", claiming that women initially perceived as unattractive work harder to be personable, unlike "most super pretty girls" who he stated are "idiots".
  • His remarks were met with disbelief by fellow campmates, including Scarlett Moffatt, Ashley Roberts, and Beverley Callard, who challenged his views.
  • The comments were later discussed on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, where Susanna Reid dismissed them as not bearing scrutiny.

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