British TikToker and 2025 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Max Balegde has reduced his fellow stars to tears after sharing the heartbreaking incident that led to his coming out story and the reason behind his chosen charity.
For those who are not in the know of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! it follows a bunch of famous people who are dropped in the jungle to win a bunch of dosh for their chosen charity.
While the reality TV show is known for its difficult challenges, including those vomit-inducing tucker trials, I’m A Celebrity allows viewers to capture a candid glimpse of their faves and their personal lives.
On Tuesday night’s episode, British TikToker Max Balegde opened up about his chosen charity, Minus18, which supports Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“My charity is a charity called Minus18 that provides LGBTQ education in schools,” he began.
“I remember the exact moment that I actually realized that I was gay, and I remember thinking that I would just keep it to myself forever, and I just thought, that’s just what I’m going to do.”
In his incredibly candid campfire chat, Max revealed that he was inspired to come out to his family after he and his sister survived the 2017 Manchester Arena bombings, that killed 22 people, including children.
“It took a real big thing for me to realise, basically, I don’t know if you remember, there was a terrorist attack in Manchester at a concert, and I was there with my little sister, who I love very much,” he tearfully recalled.
“I’m not a parent, obviously, but it was just me and her there. And I remember in that moment feeling like I have the responsibility of someone’s life in my hands. And I was so just upset and confused and panicked.
“When we got out and everything was okay, luckily, we were okay. I remember in that moment just being like, oh my god, like you could have just died, and you robbing your family, who you love so much, of knowing who you actually are.”
After revealing that heartfelt story, Balegde said he wished he had a charity like Minus18 when he was younger to empower him to be who he is.
“If I just learnt in school that you can be gay and live a happy, healthy, normal life from a young age, I think it wouldn’t have taken something as dark as that to make me take that step to being myself, and I wish that I had a charity like that when I was younger,” he shared.
After Max shared his journey on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, viewers showered the show’s official social media with messages of support for the TikToker and his family.
“Max you are so brave, you did the right thing of speaking out,” one fan wrote.
“He’s an inspiration to all of us survivors of the attack, how he has faced it with such bravery and followed his passion despite it. Sending so much love to Max,” a second viewer commented.
“Aww this is such an emotional moment for Max, bless him and his little sister,” wrote a third.
Max, I know you’re in the jungle, but I truly hope you are proud of yourself because speaking out about your experience and your story truly helps those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Biggest props to this TikToker!
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! returns tonight on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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