Katie Price has been applauded by her fans for putting on a “powerful” show with pal Kerry Katona just hours after the news of charges against her ex-husband Kieran Hayler broke.
Personal trainer Mr Hayler, who was previously married to the television personality, faces criminal charges involving a minor.
The 38-year-old has been accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a girl who was 13 years old at the time.
The alleged offences reportedly took place during 2016, whilst Mr Hayler was still married to the former glamour model. The charges relate to incidents that allegedly occurred over a four-month period.
Katie Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler has been charged with rape
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Mr Hayler, who resides in Northchapel, West Sussex, has been formally charged by Sussex Police following their investigation into the allegations.
News of the charges emerged earlier this week, prior to Ms Price taking the stage at Swansea Grand on Monday evening.
During the show, Ms Price decided to avoid mentioning the charges and allegations facing her ex-husband, a reaction that has been praised by her fans on social media.
On Instagram, one gig-goer wrote in response to a post about Ms Price and Ms Katona’s show in Swansea: “The news that just broke about Kieran Hayler is truly shocking and disturbing. Omg. Hats off to u for not shouting it from the roof tops like I would of.” (sic)
Katie Price’s fans praised the star for taking to the stage hours after the news about Kieran Hayler broke
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The praise garnered dozens of likes from fellow fans, clearly of the same opinion. Meanwhile, others flooded the post to applaud both women for still putting on a “brilliant” show.
“You were both brilliant, could have listened to you both all night. Well done x,” one fan wrote with a series of applause emojis.
A second echoed: “Such a powerful night with Katie and Kerry. Hearing their stories was deeply moving. So much pain and resilience in what they’ve endured. Yet there they were, stronger and happier than ever. Truly inspiring.”
Elsewhere, a third penned: “What a night, you were amazing girls. It goes to show that the media pain such monsters of people, tonight we got down deep and personal and you’ve gained my total love & respect x.”
And a fourth weighed in: “Really enjoyed tonight, such down to earth women with so much trauma and who get slammed even further by the media. Could have sat and listened all night. Much love.” (sic)
On Monday, law enforcement officials confirmed the specific details of the allegations against Mr Hayler.
Sussex Police stated: “We can confirm Kieran Hayler, 38, of Northchapel in West Sussex, has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl.”
The force specified that “the offences are alleged to have occurred at an address in West Sussex between June 1 and October 13, 2016.” Mr Hayler has been released whilst the investigation continues.
Kieran Hayler and Katie Price share two children
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He must attend Crawley Magistrates’ Court on November 19. Police confirmed that the young victim, whose identity is protected by law, has been receiving assistance from specially trained officers throughout the investigation.
Mr Hayler has firmly rejected all accusations through his legal team. His representative stated: “Kieran Hayler strongly denies the allegations made against him in its entirety.”
The statement continued: “Mr Hayler is fully engaged and has been cooperating with the police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so.
“He looks forward to his name being cleared, believing in the judicial system to do so.”
Katie Price decided not to address the charges on-stage, according to gig-goers
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GETTYAccording to reports, the alleged victim has no familial connection to either Mr Hayler or Ms Price.
Mr Hayler and Ms Price wed in January 2013 at a Bahamian luxury resort, following his Christmas Day proposal in 2012.
The couple had two children during their marriage – son Jett, now 12, and daughter Bunny, aged 11.
The marriage ended in 2018, though their divorce wasn’t finalised until 2021 due to pandemic-related court delays.
Ms Price, 47, has five children in total from various relationships. Following their separation, Mr Hayler became engaged to Michelle Penticost and fathered a son, though that relationship ended earlier this year.
