Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has spoken out after snubbing the Celebrity Big Brother final.
The Love Island star, 29, was due to appear at the live event with her co-stars on Friday evening (March 22), but failed to show up. The reality star received a hefty amount of backlash following her stint on the show, and again after her exit interview on Late & Live.
She clashed with Layton Williams who accused her of trying to “blame the edit”. Ekin-Su took some time away from the spotlight, admitting she chose not to attend the final because she didn’t want to feel “uncomfortable,” reports The Mirror.
READ MORE: Ekin-Su ‘pulls out’ of Celebrity Big Brother final after bitter show backlash
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Breaking her silence, Ekin-Su shared a lengthy statement on Instagram. She began: “I know it’s unlike me to hide away, but I’ve been taking some time to reflect.”
She continued: “Sometimes in our lowest moments, we learn the most important lessons about ourselves. I hope you don’t think I was selfish for setting boundaries and putting my own needs first last night. I’m fully aware that not everybody will understand my absence, or think it was the right decision to make, but it was the right decision for me.”
Sharing more about her decision not to keep away from the live final, the TV personality added: “I chose to remove myself from a potentially uncomfortable situation that I preferred to avoid. I’m proud of myself for recognising what I need during this time, despite the hate that might come my way.”
She went on: “Accountability is key and when I’m ready, I will give some context around these past few weeks. Thank you to everybody who has sent kindness my way, I see you, and I appreciate you. The new chapter starts now.”
Ekin-Su signed off the post: “I hope everybody enjoyed watching the CBB final. A huge congratulations to David for the win. Xx.” It comes after the Turkish actress pulled out of her appearance on Lorraine following her eviction.
Ekin-Su was due to speak to the Scottish presenter on her programme on Monday (March 18), but failed to show up. During an episode of Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid queried Lorraine: “We thought you might have Ekin-Su on.”
A confused Lorraine responded: “So did I.. but alas no. I don’t know, we’re trying to find out. She was due to come in right, but no.” ITV then released a statement insisting Ekin-Su hadn’t suddenly pulled out.
Posted on the official Lorraine account, the statement began: “We’d like to clear up a misunderstanding, Ekin-Su did not pull out of the show or throw the programme into chaos this morning. We’d love to welcome her back on the programme soon. We apologise for the confusion.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk