Ferne McCann's boyfriend has issued an emotional apology after an old video of him showing off a suspicious powder surfaced online.
Lorri Haines, who has been in a relationship with Ferne since January, was also seen appearing to snort powder in another old photo - but has spoken out saying "these things do not reflect the person I am today".
Posting to his Instagram page today, Lorri bravely admitted he had mucked up in the past but stressed he has since turned his life around.
He said: "In light of the videos circulating of me from a destructive time in my life. I want you to hear this directly from me.
"I want to start this by saying how sorry I am that my past actions are bringing pain to the people I love most in my life now. It is unfair to that something I did a long time ago impacts them.
"I have spent years turning my life around, to be someone I can be proud of. I changed my lifestyle for the better a long time ago but like most people, I have made stupid mistakes, done things I am not proud of. I never thought these actions could possibly hurt anyone else either.
"These things do not reflect the person I am today," he insisted.
"Whilst I can’t undo the past, I can only continue to strive to be a better person and learn from past mistakes. The latest videos are from a long time, I could never know then the harm they would cause me and more importantly the people in my life now.
"For that I am deeply sorry," he finished the post.
Devastated pals of the entrepreneur fear he is being targeted by vile trolls now he is in the public eye.
Sources close to him told the Daily Star: "Those close to Lorri know that he has come from a very troubled background and have huge respect for the way in which he has turned his life around.
"He came from nothing to become a very successful business and respected man."
The source said Lorri was homeless at the age of 16 and before that lived in friends’ homes because his own home was so unstable.
"He’s never forgotten where he came from and the people who helped him early on in his life," they explain
"Lorri is the first to admit he’s done things he isn’t proud of. Who hasn’t? This is why he decided to go to therapy. He wanted to make the most of his life. A lot of his baggage wasn’t his to carry. He doesn’t and never has seen himself as a victim. He’s someone who lives by the mantra ‘where there’s life there’s hope’ and he’s positive about everything.
"His childhood was about survival, there was never any security. He’s about making a solid future for himself and those closest to him. He’s always stayed grounded and humble.
"He will be mortified that his past, daft actions will be causing those closest to him so much upset. Especially Ferne who he adores and knows she deserves more. He sees himself as someone who helps people, not someone who brings trouble to anyones door.
“Lorri is mortified that his past stupidity is causing people around him embarrassment and upset now”.
The source said that Lorri has been through therapy to get his life back on track and is hoping to focus on his business and starting a life together with former TOWIE star Ferne.
"Nothing will get in the way of that”.
“He wanted to speak out about the videos and that dark time in his life. Therapy is about confronting things head on and this is exactly what he’s doing. This isn’t easy for anyone to do but he’s doing it.," they added.
