David Haye is reportedly preparing legal action against ITV for £10,000,000, claiming he was unfairly portrayed during his appearance on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, and alleging the edit caused “irreparable damage” to his public image.
The former world heavyweight boxing champion, 45, is said to have instructed lawyers to send a formal letter to ITV and is demanding a full investigation into how he was portrayed on the show, according to reports.
He is understood to believe he was deliberately edited into a “pantomime villain” during the series, which was filmed last year and later aired as a special “Legends” edition.
A source told The Sun:
"David is absolutely gung-ho about all of this — he is incandescent with rage about how the whole series has been handled and feels he's being made a scapegoat by ITV."
They added:
"He can cite examples — such as the Gemma Collins fat-shaming moment, which used clever editing and snide eye-rolls, etc to make his remark look damning."
The insider also claimed Haye intends to pursue damages over what he describes as “propaganda” in the broadcast, with potential losses reportedly estimated at up to £10 million.
"He is going for damages as a result of the 'propaganda' aired against him to recover lost earnings, which lawyers believe could total up to £10million."
LIFTED ENTERTAINMENT FOR ITV AND ITVX - I'M A CELEBRITY SOUTH AFRICA - Pictured : THE CAMPMATES
The report also claims the boxer feels his portrayal on the show led to a backlash online, including accusations of bullying and misogynistic behaviour. One of the most controversial moments involved comments he made about women, including his so-called “ugly duckling” theory, which was criticised during the series.
Haye is also said to believe that business opportunities were affected following the programme, with a potential Netflix project reportedly stalled and other brand deals placed on hold.
"David is absolutely gung-ho about all of this – he is incandescent with rage about how the whole series has been handled and feels he’s being made a scapegoat by ITV," the source said.
The boxer is also reported to have instructed a legal team at Gatehouse Chambers, with hourly rates of around £500, to examine the series in detail for evidence of unfair editing.
@imacelebrity Adam Thomas has had enough of David Haye's banter #ImACeleb ♬ original sound - I'm A Celebrity...
A separate insider claimed:
"He is going for damages as a result of the ‘propaganda’ aired against him to recover lost earnings, which lawyers believe could total up to £10million."
One of the moments being referenced relates to an exchange with Gemma Collins, during which she told campmates:
"We all need to eat tonight. You know what I’m like without food."
To which Haye responded:
"You need to eat? Where was you last night? And where was I last night. What did I eat last night?"
Gemma later replied:
"Do you know what? Sometimes, eating a bit of humble pie makes us stronger and better as people."
@thesun Fans of I’m A Celeb have slammed David Haye after he took a savage swipe at Gemma Collins over her weight. Tap above to read more. #ImACeleb #GemmaCollins #DavidHaye #TVDrama #BreakingNews ♬ original sound - The Sun
Haye has also publicly questioned how he was portrayed, sharing an Instagram video asking viewers whether they believed he was a bully.
"Quick question ladies and gentlemen, cos I’m still kind of confused about the last couple of weeks. Do let me know whether, off the strength of watching I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2026 Legends edition, you think I’m a bully?"
He continued:
"Would you consider that yes, I’m a bully, or no, it was banter, and it was all good?"
When early responses showed a near split result, he wrote:
"At least half the people have some sense!"
But later, when a larger majority indicated they did view his behaviour negatively, he added:
"So much for the sensible people!! Is the world truly that full of sensitive morons?!?"
Haye also backed fellow campmate Jimmy Bullard, who separately accused ITV of unfair editing, with claims that an argument involving Adam Thomas was not shown in full. However, ITV hosts are understood to have pushed back on that version of events during the live final.
Adam Thomas opened up about his experience on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, saying he was left “broken” after tensions with fellow contestant David Haye during filming.
The actor, known for Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, shared a detailed reflection on Instagram, describing the series as one of the most difficult periods of his life both physically and emotionally.
A major factor in his experience was his ongoing struggle with arthritis, which he has previously spoken about.
According to reports, multiple campmates are now reviewing contractual clauses relating to behaviour, editing rights, and “bringing the show into disrepute”, while some are also considering legal routes.
ITV has not formally commented on the legal claims at this stage.
