James Haskell left fans gasping with a bad-taste joke during his first public appearance since announcing his split from Chloe Madeley, according to reports.

The ex England rugby player and former I’m A Celeb contestant has been slammed for the gag – which made reference to the 9/11 terror attacks. The 38 year old reportedly made the joke as he appeared at a recording of podcast World Cup After Party: The Good, the Bad and The Rugby with fellow ex international teammate Mike Tindall and Alex Payne at the G-Live Centre in Guildford, Surrey.

It was his first public outing since he and Chloe announced they had called time on their marriage after five years. As well as making several quips about the separation, James reportedly made a joke that referenced the deadly terror attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001.

The sportsman turned DJ was recalling a story about how former England rugby coach Andy Farrell asked players to be honest with him about the team’s training methods.

According to MailOnline, James said: "He went straight to Tom Wood, right, former player and he crumpled like the Twin Towers."

The crowd was said to have gasped while someone said: "Jesus." According to the outlet, James then said: "What? Too obscene? F*** off, that was 9/11 dickhead, it's 2023 time to get over it."

He reportedly backtracked and said: "I'm joking, I'm joking. It’s alright. Don’t worry I’m not coming back to Guildford, it’s alright."

As James spoke, his co-hosts were said to have been holding their heads in their hands. And the joke left people online similarly unimpressed.

One wrote on X/Twitter: "This guy is an obnoxious pr***. Sooner he disappears under a rock the better."

Another added: "What a publicity-desperate idiot. Chloe is well rid of him. Glad she’s moving on from this caveman."

OK! has approached James' reps for a comment.

It comes just days after James and Chloe announced they had broken up in September – only 13 months after the birth of their daughter, Bodhi. The announcement came after James was photographed chatting with a mystery woman outside a fancy restaurant in October.

On Saturday, Chloe – who is currently starring in an ITV reality show about her motherhood journey – said on Instagram: “James and I mutually decided separate at the end of September, 2023.

“We had not planned on releasing a statement at this time – certainly not while the television show was airing – but constant speculation about our marriage has, unfortunately, forced our hand.

“Beyond this statement, we will not be speaking about this matter publicly, and we would request privacy at this time. Our sole focus now is our beautiful daughter. We shall continue to co-parent with nothing but love.”

James also shared the statement online and added: “It's with a lot of sadness I write this post, but unfortunately, in the world we live in, it has to be done.

“My priority is my daughter’s and Chloe’s happiness and security. For that reason, I won't be commenting any further.”

Source: Read Full Article