Jack Maynard’s early exit from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has left viewers torn over whether it was the right decision or not.
The 22-year-old YouTuber stunned fans on Tuesday night by revealing he’d withdrawn from the show just days after arriving in the Australian jungle.
His reason for leaving? Wanting to defend himself against recent tabloid stories.
He’s faced allegations of racism and homophobia after old tweets posted in 2012 were unearthed by a newspaper following his arrival in camp.
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The vlogger had previously issued an apology for using “completely unacceptable” language and deleted the posts.
Jack’s departure has sparked a ferocious debate online.
Some fans have threatened to boycott the show over his exit, saying it was unfair he was being punished for messages sent several years ago.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan also shared this view, tweeting: “If Jack has been removed from the show because of what he put on twitter 5 year ago I’m totally gutted for him.
“NOT condoning what he did but he was just a kid…. I think everyone in the world has said or done something they massively regret.
“Being punished 5 years on, shame.”
However, other viewers said it was right for Jack to leave the jungle – and said his story should be used as a warning to everyone to be careful what they put on social media.
After the tweets were unearthed last week, a spokeswoman for the vlogger said: “Jack is ashamed of these tweets, many were deleted a long time ago.
“He would never use that language now and realises this kind of retaliatory, inflammatory, insulting language is completely unacceptable.”
Confirming Jack’s jungle exit, his rep told The Sun: “In the last few days Jack has been the subject of a succession of media stories which, given his position as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – filmed in the Australian jungle, with no contact with the outside world, he has been unable to respond to.
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“Since it is only fair that everyone should be aware of any allegations made against them and should also have the right to defend themselves, it was agreed that it would be better to bring him out of the show.
“Jack agrees with this decision which was made by his representatives and ITV and thanks everyone who has supported him in the show this far.”
I’m A Celeb continues 9pm on ITV.