Ferne McCann has spoken out about the scandal surrounding a series of leaked voicemails.
It comes after Ferne, who is already a mother on Sunday, announced she is expecting her first child with Lorri Haines.
In November 2022, an anonymous Instagram account called Lady Whistledown went public after Bridgerton’s secret gossip exchange posted a series of voicemails from a woman they claimed was distant.
One heard a woman’s voice calling one of acid attacker Arthur Collins’ victims a “stupid bastard”, while another accused Ferne of shaming Sam Faiers.
Ferne addressed the voice notes in a new interview and said the circumstances will be addressed in an upcoming series of her reality show First Time Mum.
The former TOWIE star, 32, told OK! Magazine: “It’s going to be on the show, but I can’t say much which is so frustrating.”
‘Can’t wait to share my whole truth’: Ferne McCann has spoken out about the scandal surrounding a series of leaked voicemails
She added, “I’m definitely someone who has always worn my heart on my sleeve and been transparent with everyone I meet, especially my followers and the people who watch my show.
“The frustration stems from the fact that I can’t be completely transparent and can’t wait to share my full truth and full story, but unfortunately I can’t because a criminal investigation is ongoing and for that reason I can ‘does’ not go into detail.
“What I’m saying is we just want to move forward as a family, work as a team and stay positive because that’s all you can be.”
It comes after filming for her ITVBe series First Time Mum is said to have resumed following claims she made disparaging comments about the victims of an acid attack by ex-partner Arthur Collins.
Ferne McCann: First Time Mum began in 2017 and follows the reality star as she navigates life as a single mother to daughter Sunday, five.
It was recently claimed that ITV bosses are backing Ferne amid their leaked Voice Note scandal.
A source told The Sun of Ferne programme: “Ferne is resuming filming on First Time Mum and is heading to India.
“She was booked to fly out of the country today and bring a film crew with her.
“Initially filming plans were put on hold as the vote memo scandal unfolded. However, Ferne has the support of her ITV bosses and filming will begin in the next few days.
Ferne was previously called upon to cancel her show after an anonymous Instagram account leaked voicemails allegedly sent by Ferne, in which a female voice called one of acid attacker Arthur Collins’ victims a “stupid bastard”.
They refer to Sophie Hall, who reached the Miss England final 15 months after the disgusting attack and revealed her scars.
Collins is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after throwing acid at an east London nightclub in April 2017, injuring 14 people.
Ferne’s friends say there is an “ongoing hate campaign” against her, with ITV said to be in talks to continue the show.
Last month, Ferne was blasted by acid attack victim Sophie, 27, for her recent “insincere” apology after she allegedly called her “ugly” in leaked voice memos.
Pregnancy: It comes after Ferne, who is already a mother on Sunday, announced she is expecting her first child with Lorri Haines
Ferne admitted she was the voice in shocking audio files, but claimed she recorded them because she feared “serious injury and significant threats”.
Sophie has since demanded that Ferne apologize to her on camera, claiming she can’t read the statement because Ferne has blocked her on Instagram.
She told The Sun: “To me, her words feel so dishonest. Ferne is just trying to save her career. I don’t think she regrets it.
“If she was serious, she would have found my account and spoken to me personally. I want Ferne to come in front of the camera with me and apologize to me.
“She can really show how sorry she is, and when it’s filmed, she has nowhere to hide. I will respect that. We all say things we regret, but you need to be held accountable. If Ferne is truly sorry, she is.”
Ferne wrote in her online statement: “I am aware that people will have a number of questions about the voicemails that have been made public and allegedly sent by me.
“I feel I have no choice but to address it (to the extent I can as there are limitations for me which I explain below).
Most importantly, I want to apologize to all victims of Arthur Collins’ heinous acts in 2017 for reliving that night and the pain that followed as this case is back in the public domain.
Family: Ferne McCann: First Time Mum began in 2017 and follows the reality star as she navigates life as a single mother to daughter Sunday, five
“I especially want to apologize to Sophie Hall. I don’t find them ugly or stupid. She was incredibly brave.
The crimes of “Arthur Collins” produced real victims, so I try not to portray myself that way. I can’t say much because there are important and significant court cases that prevent me from correcting things at this stage.
“What I can say is that the voice messages that are released are manipulated; edited and taken completely out of context.
“Nevertheless, I may have said things that were not true and that I did not believe – but I did so to protect my family and myself from serious harm and in the face of significant threats.”
The audio clips are not the first to be circulated on the internet, as the reality star has previously been accused of hitting and shaming boyfriend Sam Faiers.
In a statement shared with MailOnline, Ferne called the scandal a “harassment” campaign against her and offered her condolences to those offended by the comments.
The mother-of-one was forced to speak out after an anonymous Instagram account posted voice memos said to have been sent remotely.
A statement from Ferne’s representatives broke their silence on the scandal, saying: “These voicemails are part of a wider harassment campaign aimed at intimidating and discrediting Ferne.
Apology: Last month Ferne was blasted by acid attack victim Sophie Hall, 27, for her recent “insincere” apology after she allegedly called her “ugly” in leaked voice memos
“They are the subject of an ongoing investigation being carried out by Essex Police and as such Ferne can only say that she offers her deepest sympathy for the distress and pain this situation is causing Mrs Hall.”
A source close to the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Star previously told MailOnline that the messages were “merged” from separate recordings to “destroy” them.
The Instagram account was previously suspended after Ferne filed a police report when it allegedly published posts from the reality star, claiming she called Sam, 31, a “fat c***” and “narcissistic b** *” mentioned.
Sam (31) and Ferne, who appeared alongside each other in The Only Way Is Essex, have been friends for more than 20 years.
Breakdown: The audio clips are not the first to circulate, with the reality star previously accused of hitting and shaming boyfriend Sam Faiers (pictured together in 2019).
Source: Daily Mail
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
