James Peaty has been seen for the first time since his dramatic arrest over allegations he sent threatening messages to his Olympic champion brother Adam during the swimmer’s stag weekend.
Adam, 30, was met by police at Manchester Airport earlier this week after flying back from Budapest, where he celebrated with future father-in-law Gordon Ramsay. The arrest added even more fuel to a bitter family feud that has exploded just weeks before Adam’s wedding to Gordon’s daughter, Holly. The athlete has faced accusations from within his own family that he has “ditched” them for his celebrity in-laws and no longer wants to be associated with his working-class roots.
James, 34, was spotted in Newcastle, casually smoking in the rain while wearing a grey cap and black jacket. Despite the headlines and intense scrutiny, he appeared surprisingly upbeat, smiling before jumping into his blue Honda and driving away.
Police confirmed that James had been arrested at his home in Uttoxeter on suspicion of harassment and has since been released on conditional bail. A spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing.
Adam’s father, Mark, has now spoken publicly for the first time, admitting that things have spiralled. He said the brothers “have always been close” but insisted the situation has “got out of hand,” especially with “very little empathy” shown toward James’ mental health struggles.
A source claimed Adam believes his mother, Caroline, has been enabling James’ behaviour. Tensions reportedly resurfaced after Adam wrote in his autobiography about his siblings’ “demons,” which James felt portrayed him as a “bum.” Although they had reconciled and James was even asked to be a groomsman, their relationship collapsed again this summer following a dispute over a building project.
The fallout has ripped the family apart. Adam’s sister is now expected to be the only immediate family member attending the wedding. Caroline, who spent years driving Adam across the country for swim training and competitions, is said to be heartbroken. Her sister Louise has fiercely defended her, slamming Adam and Holly for allegedly “body-shaming” Caroline over wedding outfit choices. Louise said Holly wanted a specific “look,” adding angrily: “She doesn’t suit the look Holly is looking for?! WTF body-shaming a 60-year-old woman!”
The rift has also been visible online: Caroline was missing from Holly’s glamorous hen-do attended by Tana and Victoria Ramsay. A friend noted that the photo “speaks for itself.”
As the feud intensifies, neither Holly nor Adam have commented, despite repeated attempts.
