Ulrika Jonsson this week slammed Maisie Smith and Max George after their fake pregnancy announcement.
To enrol The sunThe 55-year-old television personality labeled the couple “hungry for publicity” and claimed the insensitive joke left fans “offended and betrayed.”
The Strictly duo faced backlash when Maisie, 21, took to Instagram to pose with her hands on her stomach.
She hid her belly behind a heart emoji, while Max, 34, looked down in shock, covering his mouth with his hand.
Captioning the photo, Maisie wrote, “We have some very exciting news…”
But in the next post, she revealed that the couple was just joking, writing, “Just had the best five-course meal of my life.”
Outspoken: Ulrika Jonsson, 55, this week slammed Maisie Smith, 21, and Max George, 34, after their fake pregnancy announcement
Outrage: They faced backlash when Maisie took to Instagram to pose with her hands on her stomach — only to reveal it was from a five-course meal
Ulrika wrote in her column that she was not surprised by the backlash from couples struggling with infertility.
Saying, “And also for those die-hard fans who hang on to every word and loved-up photo the couple posts. It must have felt like an insult and a betrayal.’
She continued, “What really struck me was the fact that this publicity-hungry couple once again went all out for attention.”
“It was about causing a stir, getting noticed and making sure they kept their name in the news.”
The couple seemed to lighten up the situation earlier this week when Max shared a photo of them sipping huge milkshakes.
He captioned, “Never. Eating. Again” as Maisie re-shared the photo.
While the pair thought the original post was hilarious, many of their fans disagreed as they flocked to Twitter to accuse them of being “disgusting” and “insensitive.”
One of them wrote: ‘Pregnancy jokes are not funny and never will be. You hurt a lot of people tonight, fans, with those thoughtless stories. People who have lost children. People who, for whatever reason, cannot get pregnant. Please do better.’
Not impressed: Ulrika wrote in her column that she was not surprised by the backlash due to couples struggling with infertility
Seeing red: And while the couple thought their post was hilarious, many of their fans disagreed as they flocked to Twitter to accuse them of being ‘disgusting’ and ‘insensitive’
Others chimed in, “Max George and Maisie Smith are so callous about that,” and “Maisie Smith and Max George joking about being pregnant is disgusting.” just not something to joke about.’
A fourth wrote: ‘Not @maisie_smith_ and @MaxGeorge claiming she’s pregnant, such a joke! Kick for all of us who struggle with fertility.’
Another concluded: ‘Joking about false pregnancies is disgusting. Really got me thinking. I really like them more.’
The couple is currently enjoying a romantic getaway in Dubai and has shared many glimpses of their journey so far.
Maisie kicked off their lavish holiday by sharing a very racy photo on Instagram earlier this week.
She left little to the imagination as she got completely naked for a daring bath shot, while enjoying a glass of champagne.
Resting her legs on the rim of the basin, she made sure to protect her modesty as she wrote, “…and relax” in her caption.
However, Maisie resisted a dip in the sea in a hilarious video shared by The Wanted star.
‘Never eat again’ The couple appeared to make light of the situation earlier this week when Max shared a photo of them sipping huge milkshakes
The actress reposted the video, in which she ran back onto the beach after realizing how cold the water was, while wearing a skimpy blue bikini.
Max wrote, “Cold water isn’t for my girl,” while Maisie added, “Can’t say I haven’t tried.”
Max and Maisie watched cloud nine as they sat back and relaxed on the beach together.
The couple in love has gone on vacation and immediately took advantage of the warm weather while working on their tan.
Maisie showed off her toned figure as she slipped into a light blue bikini with orange straps as she relaxed on a beach chair.
Sharing a photo of his girlfriend from behind, Max wrote, “Cheeky. I wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world right now ❤️’.
Max went shirtless for the outing and Maisie shared a playful photo of him posing on the beach in dark green shorts.
The pair also posted a photo of their flight snuggled up next to each other, with Maisie writing, “And we’re off.”