Celebs Go Dating’s Joey Essex ‘accused of cultural appropriation’ in ‘off-screen row with Paul C Brunson’

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Joey Essex is reported to have been embroiled in a row with Paul C Brunson away from the Celebs Go Dating cameras.

The Only Way Is Essex icon Joey, 30, was reportedly accused of “cultural appropriation” after he made a “racially insensitive comment” during filming for the show, which didn’t make the programme.

It’s understood the row was sparked after Joey used the phrase “fo sho” while responding to dating expert Paul, 46.

Paul is then said to have spoke to Joey, who was labelled a “complicated character” by Anna Williamson recently, to try and explain why the comment could be seen as offensive.

Celebs Go Dating's Sophie Hermann reveals co-stars have a lively group chat and the mansion was 'very messy'

Joey Essex ‘has a huge barrier up’ and is a ‘complicated character’ when it comes to love, Anna Williamson says

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A source has told The Sun Online: “It's fair to say that Paul didn't gel with Joey as well as the other contestants – not because of any personal animosity, but because Paul thought Joey wasn't taking the experiment seriously.

“By his own admission, Paul was finding the show difficult and was already uncomfortable prior to Joey's entrance with being constantly referred to as P-Dawg.

“At one point Joey misused some slang in front of Paul, who took him aside to explain why it could be seen as inappropriate.”

The insider added: “Joey began to panic about whether this would play a part in the show and what it could mean for him.

“He meant absolutely no offence and became agitated about the prospect of being painted as something he's not. The fraught atmosphere led to the bigger confrontation Paul referenced online.

“The pair agreed to draw a line under the incident and move on. Paul's post has really stunned a lot of the people involved.”

OK! online has contacted representatives for Joey Essex and Paul C Brunson for comment.

Hunky dating expert Paul recently denied he had quit the show after sparking speculation with a lengthy post about his experiences on the latest series of Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion.

In the Instagram share, Paul explained how being away from his wife Jill and their two sons Liam and Kingston “didn’t work well” for him.

He added that his “tolerance for bulls**t” was “non existent” while filming the dating programme as he was pining for his family.

Paul then noted a moment where he “snapped” after he felt someone had been “disrespected” on set.

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He then revealed: “For the first time I got into an off camera verbal altercation with a celeb. Real talk, if it wasn’t for daily meditation, exercise and CBD, I would've put hands on them.”

Dating expert Paul later insisted he will continue to work on the show as he told OK! online: “My social post referred only to my departure back to the States where I was very happy to be reunited with my family who I missed terribly.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time filming Celebs Go Dating and since returning to the US I’ve had lots of lovely messages from fans who have enjoyed watching the show.”

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