Daniel Lustig Defends Ex-Husband Stephen Webb Amid Celebs Go Dating Controversy
TV personality Stephen Webb has found himself in hot water after his recent appearance on Celebs Go Dating left viewers and his date, Dean Muir, feeling uncomfortable. The 53-year-old star, known for his stint on Gogglebox, faced backlash for his behavior during the date, with Dean describing the experience as “disrespectful,” “cheap,” and humiliating.
The controversy arose when Stephen, during a date with 39-year-old Dean, openly called him “boring” after Dean expressed that he wouldn’t have sex on the first date. Stephen pushed the conversation towards more sexual topics, asking Dean if he had ever slept with his driving students in the back of his car and inquiring about his preferences. When Dean tried to steer the conversation away from sex, Stephen bluntly responded, “I think that’s boring.”
The situation escalated as the date continued, with Stephen becoming defensive when Dean suggested that all Stephen wanted was a quick fling. Their evening ended on a sour note, with an argument over splitting the bill. Dean later told the cameras that he had “never been so disrespected by anyone,” rating the date a zero out of ten. He also revealed that he and another man have since lodged complaints about Stephen’s behavior to the show’s producers.
In the wake of the controversy, Stephen’s ex-husband, Daniel Lustig, has come forward to defend him. Daniel, who split from Stephen earlier this year, spoke exclusively to MailOnline, stating, “I have known Stephen for 11 years. He has only ever shown me kindness and been very generous. Yes, his personality is marmite, but he doesn’t mean any harm it’s just jest. You either get it or you don’t.”
Daniel emphasized that Stephen has always been supportive of his friends and partners, describing him as someone who tirelessly raises money for charity and visits fans in hospitals without asking for anything in return. “This is not the sign of a ‘creep,'” Daniel insisted, adding that Stephen likely felt nervous as this was his first show outside of Gogglebox.
Daniel also shared a fond memory of their first date, highlighting Stephen’s thoughtfulness and effort. “On our first date he picked me up in his mini and he only just passed his test and let’s just say it was a bit shaky in the car…He took me to London as a surprise and we went to the Oxo Tower. He was so proud to show me London and all his hangouts. I always loved being in London with him. My very own Oliver Twist!”
Despite the defense from his ex-husband, Stephen’s conduct on Celebs Go Dating has drawn widespread criticism. A spokesperson for the show told MailOnline, “Any concern regarding behavior is investigated and dealt with accordingly in line with our robust protocols. The welfare of everyone involved and working on our show is always of primary importance.”
The spokesperson also confirmed that Stephen’s behavior during his date with Dean will be addressed in the upcoming episode, where Dean will have the opportunity to confront Stephen directly.
This isn’t the first time Stephen has faced backlash on the show. Earlier in the week, viewers were shocked when Stephen, during another date, made crude comments to 22-year-old footballer Ben. The awkward exchanges continued throughout the evening, leaving many fans uncomfortable with Stephen’s behavior.
