Gemma Collins has recently joined the ongoing drama surrounding the latest season of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, particularly the tension between Adam Thomas and David Haye. The feud centers around accusations that Haye was bullying Thomas during their time in the jungle, a claim that has sparked widespread controversy among viewers and fellow cast members. Gemma, known for her outspoken personality and history on The Only Way Is Essex, has publicly weighed in on the situation, expressing her support for Adam and condemning Haye’s behavior.
Sitting comfortably in her pajamas with her stepson Tristan, Gemma shared a heartfelt message with her fans on Instagram. In the video, she and Tristan reflected on the emotional final episode of I’m A Celebrity, but their mood quickly turned somber as they discussed the bullying claims. Tristan, speaking directly to the camera, said, “Because someone was bullying Adam.” Gemma nodded in agreement, adding, “And it was hard to see, wasn’t it?” She went on to emphasize how upsetting the situation was, noting that it had ruined their enjoyment of the night’s finale. She then reflected on the life lesson the incident imparted, with Tristan concluding, “Never bully.”
Gemma took a moment to address Adam directly, saying, “Adam, it was really difficult to sit there and watch you go through that last night. It was disgusting.” She further expressed disappointment, suggesting that jealousy might have played a role in the conflict. “And what a shame because we all… I mean, the jealousy is real,” she added, suggesting that Haye’s actions might have been fueled by underlying resentment.
The tensions between Adam and David began earlier in the show when Adam was visibly struggling with a challenge. Adam, who has been diagnosed with arthritis, was finding it difficult to take part in the “Termite Terror” trial, a physically demanding task that required strength and stamina. David, the former professional boxer, seemed to take issue with Adam’s reluctance to participate, pushing him to take part regardless of his physical condition. Haye reportedly called Adam “useless” and implied that he was weak, saying he didn’t like men like that.
The pressure on Adam to participate intensified, and, according to Gemma, there were moments when she had to step in and protect him from the harsh treatment. Speaking candidly on I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked, Gemma shared her perspective on the situation. “I think David Haye might have seen a weakness in Adam,” she said. “There were times where I had to protect Adam in there.” Gemma revealed that while she had to maintain her composure and avoid reacting impulsively, she also felt a strong urge to defend her friend. “If I was going full GC mode on David Haye, and a lot of them, then it would’ve been a disaster in there,” she confessed, referencing her persona on TOWIE. “But I had to remain calm and composed and just remember that I’m not here to be performative. I am here as me.”
The emotional toll of the situation was evident in Adam’s social media post after leaving the jungle. He shared an emotional recap of his time on the show, admitting that his encounter with David Haye had left him feeling “broken.” The experience of being targeted by Haye, especially in light of his arthritis diagnosis, had clearly affected Adam, who expressed feelings of vulnerability and isolation. Despite the support he received from fellow contestants like Gemma, the bullying behavior he faced in the jungle left him with lasting emotional scars.
David, however, has been unapologetic about his actions. Since the allegations surfaced, he has repeatedly denied knowing about Adam’s arthritis diagnosis, and he has been dismissive of the criticism aimed at him. In an interview, David was quoted saying, “I couldn’t care less” about Adam’s condition, asserting that everyone on the show had their own challenges to face. This statement has done little to quell the anger and frustration from fans and fellow cast members who believe that David’s behavior was inappropriate, especially considering the nature of Adam’s health issues.
The entire situation has stirred up emotions both within the I’m A Celebrity fanbase and among the cast members. Many viewers have sided with Adam, expressing outrage over the way he was treated by David. Gemma’s vocal support of Adam has also garnered attention, as she made it clear that she considered David’s actions to be out of line. Her willingness to publicly speak out on the issue only added to the drama surrounding the show, with fans praising her for standing by her friend in the face of adversity.
Gemma’s role in the feud has also highlighted her protective nature, both on and off-screen. During her time on I’m A Celebrity, she formed a strong bond with Adam, and she was quick to come to his defense when she sensed that he was being mistreated. Her efforts to maintain peace and support Adam during the conflict showcase her loyalty to her friends, even when the situation is less than ideal. It is clear that Gemma is not one to shy away from confrontation when it comes to defending those she cares about, and her intervention in the feud only strengthened her position as a fan favorite.
As for David, his refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many, and it seems unlikely that the tensions between him and Adam will dissipate anytime soon. Whether or not the public will ever get a full reconciliation remains to be seen, but for now, the drama surrounding I’m A Celebrity… South Africa continues to capture the attention of viewers who are invested in the emotional journeys of the contestants.
Gemma Collins’ role in this ongoing saga has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, but her support for Adam has also reinforced the idea that sometimes, standing up for what’s right is more important than maintaining a façade of peace. The story continues to unfold, with both sides of the feud offering contrasting perspectives on the events that transpired in the jungle.
