David Haye has found himself at the center of controversy once again after making what many fans have branded “misogynistic” comments about his girlfriend, Sian Osborne, during an episode of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa. The boxer sparked a storm of backlash after discussing his “ugly bird syndrome” theory, leaving viewers stunned.
David’s “Ugly Bird” Theory
During a chat with his fellow campmates, David made the shocking remark about his partner Sian, saying:
“She’s lovely. She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”
He went on to explain that “ugly bird syndrome” refers to women who may not be initially considered beautiful, but make up for it with strong personalities. David even joked, “Most ugly girls realize they gotta have a personality, to banter and tell jokes so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing straight away.”
But his comments didn’t land well with everyone. The moment left campmates like Scarlett Moffatt laughing nervously and Ashley Roberts visibly cringing. Fans at home were equally shocked, and the backlash was swift. Critics on social media slammed David, calling his remarks cruel and offensive.

David Haye’s girlfriend Sian Osborne has insisted his comments about her ‘having the personality of a proper ugly bird’ is ‘a big compliment’ (Pictured together in 2023)

The I’m A Celebrity: All Stars star and former professional boxer, 45, horrified his fellow campmates and viewers when he bragged about dating a ‘lovely’ woman ‘with the personality of a proper ugly bird’
Sian Defends Her Man
Despite the uproar, Sian has come to David’s defense. In a new interview, the model revealed that she was actually flattered by his words, saying, “I consider it a compliment – a big one. I’m fluent in David by now and my family find it hilarious.”
Sian clarified that when David refers to her as having the “personality of an ugly bird,” he means that she’s full of life, humor, and character, making her looks irrelevant. “He’s giving me something the entire modelling industry never once did,” she said, insisting that her boyfriend’s comments weren’t meant to be inflammatory.
“People Are Looking to Be Offended”
Sian didn’t stop there. She continued, “I don’t class it as inflammatory. People who are upset by the remarks are just looking for something to be offended about.” She added that David is “the embodiment of masculinity,” something she feels women have become unfamiliar with in modern times.
She also expressed feeling “completely safe” with David, praising him for being “exactly who he says he is at all times.”
More Drama in the Jungle
The controversy comes at a time when David is already facing criticism for his interactions with fellow campmate Adam Thomas. The pair clashed during a trial when Adam chose to sit it out, claiming he wasn’t feeling well. David took issue with this, calling Adam out for being “useless” and accusing him of passing the responsibility to a female teammate. Other campmates intervened, but David continued to vent, leaving viewers disappointed.
Fans took to social media to voice their frustration, with many demanding that David’s behavior be reported to Ofcom. One tweeted, “Ofcom, get ready because everyone is reporting a complaint right now!” while another wrote, “That toxic behavior shouldn’t be allowed on national television.”
Will David’s Controversies Cost Him the Crown?
As I’m A Celebrity continues to roll out dramatic moments in the jungle, David Haye’s time in the camp is now marked by both love and controversy. Will his explosive personality see him through to the end, or will the backlash prove too much? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the drama surrounding David shows no signs of slowing down.
Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing saga!


