Former boxing champion David Haye has reignited controversy after doubling down on his already explosive comments about “pretty privilege” — this time in a blunt new Instagram video that has left fans stunned.
The 45-year-old, who recently appeared on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, had already faced backlash during his time on the show for remarks many labelled misogynistic. Now, instead of stepping back, he’s gone even further.
During the series, David shocked both campmates and viewers when discussing his partner, claiming she had “the personality of an ugly bird.” He attempted to justify the remark by arguing that women he considers less conventionally attractive tend to develop stronger personalities, saying they “have to banter and tell jokes” so people overlook their looks.
He went on to describe what he called “ugly duckling syndrome,” suggesting that some women who grow more attractive over time still carry the personality traits they developed when they were “ugly.”
Despite the backlash, David didn’t retreat. In fact, during a recent appearance on This Morning, he insisted: “It’s the truth. Ugly girls have better personalities than traditionally beautiful supermodels.”
Instagram rant takes things even further
But it was his latest Instagram video that truly escalated the situation.
Speaking to his followers while driving, David admitted he had run a poll asking whether people agreed with his views — and was stunned when over 85% said he was wrong.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I thought I was right.”
He then repeated his belief that women who “win the human lottery” — those who are tall and widely considered attractive — have an easier life and therefore don’t develop strong personalities. He added that he was referring to “proper supermodels,” not what he described as “chubby little Instagram models.”
Doubling down further, he argued that women from less attractive backgrounds “have to work” on their personalities to be appealing — before venting that “people get triggered” whenever the topic is raised.
He then sparked even more outrage by saying you can’t even mention that “ugly fat girls need to do more than tall beautiful girls,” before complaining that there are “not a lot of sensible people left in the world.”
Fans hit back hard
The reaction online was swift — and brutal.
Viewers flooded his comment section with criticism, calling his views offensive and out of touch. One follower pointed out that he was filming himself while driving, branding him “somewhat of a plank.” Another said his inability to understand why he was wrong was “absolutely wild.”
Others urged him to think before speaking publicly, with one writing that some opinions “should be kept to yourself, especially if you’re in the public eye.”
Another questioned whether he was simply chasing attention, while a different commenter summed up the mood: his views were “cruel and offensive,” adding that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
A controversy that won’t go away
What began as a shocking moment on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa has now spiralled into a full-blown public backlash — with David Haye showing no signs of backing down.
Instead, by doubling down again and again, he may have turned a controversial opinion into one of the most talked-about celebrity fallouts of the year.
