Former I’m A Celebrity contestant Jack Maynard has apologised for “offending and disappointing fans” after fresh allegations of inappropriate messages.
The 23-year-old YouTuber, who left the jungle last week following another scandal, was accused of joking about rape in tweets sent to fans in 2011.
One of the tweets, exposed by The Sun, read: “If you get me to 1500 followers by tomorrow… I will kiss you……. Most likely rape you though.”
Jack responded by posting a string of apologetic tweets on Tuesday evening.
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He began by saying: “I have taken some time to reflect on the comments, tweets and ultimately my behaviour in the past, including a tweet sent in 2011 that is the subject of a story today.
“I was young, naive and stupid – but as I said previously, age is no excuse.
“My immaturity meant that I didn’t stop for a second to think whether these comments would hurt or harm anyone – something I have learnt is entirely wrong.”
Jack continued: “If I had just thought for a moment, about how stupid they were, I would never have sent them.
“Nothing can justify the language I used, there is no defence – I am truly sorry.
“My childish attitude back then is not a representation of my thoughts and feelings now.”
Jack concluded: “I take full responsibility and regret my mistakes.
“As an adult, I understand the effect my words have on people, whether I have a big or small platform to speak from.
“Again, I am so sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed.”
The offensive tweets have since been deleted.
This is the second apology Jack has issued in the last week; he posted a grovelling YouTube video after leaving the Australian jungle, saying sorry for past, now-deleted racist and homophobic tweets
He urged fans: “All I can do is beg and encourage that you guys don’t make the same mistake as well.
“Don’t put anything online you wouldn’t say to your mum.”
Jack lasted less than 72 hours in the I’m A Celeb jungle.
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He was withdrawn last Tuesday after his managers and ITV bosses came to a decision it was in his best interests to leave camp and defend himself against the tabloid allegations.
Since returning to the UK, he’s kept a low profile, aside from publishing his YouTube apology and last night’s tweets.