Big Brother winner Pete Bennett has hit back at his fellow housemate Imogen Thomas after she slammed him for sharing his final messages with the late Nikki Grahame.
Former Miss Wales Imogen, 38, logged into her Instagram account on Wednesday to claim that Pete, 39, had “betrayed” Nikki and her grieving family by “cashing in” on her tragic death.
The musician has since defended his actions and branded the mother of two as “cruel”.
Taking to her Instagram Story, Imogen wrote: “I can’t keep quiet any longer. I can’t stand to read another sold story by Pete Bennett.
“You Pete have no shame with your endless stories about Nikki. You saw her once within a year, took a haunting photo of her, put it up on Instagram against everyone’s wishes claiming you helped her.
(Image: ITV)
“You were not there for her. Now this is not about you – this is about Nikki. How dare you!
“Please allow her family and close friends grieve and stop cashing in at every opportunity selling last tests is the ultimate betrayal. I’m disgusted and feel for her family. Enough.”
Pete hit back by sharing a post of him and his ex Nikki, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 39 following a battle with anorexia.
He wrote in view of his his 61,000 followers: “In such a sad time of grief I’ve just had to witness Imogen Thomas trying to publicly shame me on her Instagram. You know, ‘Nikki’s best friend’. I’m sorry but how cruel can you get?
(Image: imogen_thomas/Instagram)
“Now, About selling the final text, I didn’t sell anything, my tribute to Nikki in Heat mag was from the heart and for no money and I sent love to Nikkis family and friends in it too.”
He added: “Contrary to what Imogen is saying, Nikki gave me permission to upload the final picture of us saying it was a ‘lovely picture’.
“I put a link underneath the picture of the fundraiser to raise some funds for her care so she could get better, whilst Imogen was promoting McCain oven chips and sending me daggers.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Pete and Nikki dated briefly after their stint on the seventh series of Big Brother back in 2006.
He ended the post: “The only person who sent me any negativity at the time was Imogen whilst I was trying to do my best for Nikki.
“Meanwhile everybody else has been supportive to me. I may not of seen Nikki as much as I used to see her the last year but we were always in contact and when I found out she was really ill I did everything I could to b there for her.
(Image: petebennett/Instagram)
“I’m trying to grieve for Nikki and this crazy ownership Imogen thinks she has over (who Nikkis friends are) needs to be stopped.”
“I never claimed to be Nikkis ‘best friend’, but actions speak louder than words.
“Get over it Imogen, I was Nikkis friend and leave me the f**k alone to grieve.
“Maybe you could do a nice tribute for her instead of lying about me publicly for attention.
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“Anyway I’ve had enough of fake people and bullies. And I won’t be shamed publicly for being a good mate when Nikki needed support and will stick up for myself in any way I can, Love you Nikki.” (sic)
In an interview with Heat Magazine, Pete said his final text from Nikki read: “Hey Petie, all good my end. Starting a clinic on Monday, which is good. And the sun is shining today!”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
