Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and his fiancée Holly Ramsay have publicly addressed the family dispute that has overshadowed preparations for their forthcoming nuptials, rejecting what they describe as unfounded allegations about their relationship.
The couple released a statement on social media this evening, with the 30-year-old athlete asserting that relatives have promoted untrue narratives about him and his bride-to-be.
The pair are scheduled to marry at Bath Abbey on December 27th, 2025, but the ceremony has been marred by a public disagreement that has resulted in Mr Peaty's mother, Caroline, being excluded from the celebration.
In their message, the couple revealed they have endured "deeply hurtful and upsetting" commentary based on what they characterise as fabricated grounds, with Peaty specifically noting that his 25-year-old fiancée and sister Bethany have been subjected to unwarranted attacks.
Adam Peaty and his fiancée Holly Ramsay have publicly addressed the family dispute
| PAThe three-time Olympic gold medalist's statement read: "Over the past few days, a lot has been reported and comments posted about the private life of Holly and myself.
"My sister Bethany, has also been targeted. This has been almost entirely one-sided and, in many cases, excessive and intrusive."
He continued: "What makes it worse is that it has been encouraged by members of my family."
The swimmer emphasised that whilst he cannot provide full details due to an active police inquiry into "serious matters that arose long before recent events", he remains committed to self-improvement.
"For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place," he wrote.
Adam Peatey and Holly Ramsey at Wimbledon
|PA
The couple concluded their statement by thanking supporters whilst stressing they seek no pity, merely recognition that "there are always two sides to every story".
The dispute intensified during the swimmer's Budapest stag celebration, when he allegedly received increasingly hostile communications from his brother James, 34.
Ms Ramsay contacted authorities whilst her fiancé was abroad, concerned about potential confrontation upon his return to Britain.
When the swimmer landed at Manchester Airport on Sunday, five officers escorted him through passport control amid safety concerns.
James was subsequently detained at his Staffordshire residence on Monday on suspicion of harassment.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson confirmed: "We arrested a 34-year-old man, from the Uttoxeter area, on 11 November 2025, on suspicion of harassment. The man was released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue."
According to sources, the threatening messages had become progressively more aggressive throughout the weekend, causing significant alarm to the Olympic champion during what should have been a celebratory occasion.
The family conflict originated when Caroline Peaty was not invited to her future daughter-in-law's hen celebration at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, an event attended by Ms Ramsey's mother, Tana, Victoria Beckham, and Mr Peaty's sister Bethany.
Following the exclusion, Caroline's sister Louise Williams posted a scathing message on Instagram, addressing Holly directly: "@hollyramsayy I'm so glad that you had a great hen do. As a bride, you deserve that.
"However, as a person you were divisive and hurtful towards a woman, whom I have loved and continue to love deeply."
Louise's post highlighted the perceived slight, noting that whilst Gordon Ramsay attended his future son-in-law's stag party, Caroline had been deliberately excluded from the corresponding bridal celebration.
The snub has resulted in Caroline being barred from attending the December wedding entirely.
Caroline Peaty has spoken publicly about her anguish over the family breakdown, acknowledging the relationship with her son may be irreparably damaged.
In an interview, she stated: "I know it's the end. But please, the message I want Adam to hear is no matter what happens in the future, please know I love you, your dad loves you, you can come home and talk to me at any point."
She added: "There's nothing you've done that I would not forgive. I love you so much. I hope your marriage is a good one, I don't wish any ill on you and I want you and Holly to have a long and happy marriage, like your dad and me."
The mother, who supported Peaty throughout his swimming career from childhood to becoming a record-breaker, expressed her wish for the conflict to cease, stating she had hit her lowest point over the family division.
Those close to the situation suggest Mr Peaty views his mother as complicit in his brother's problematic conduct rather than encouraging him to address his issues.
An insider revealed: "This feud is heartbreaking from both sides. But the reality is that Adam sees his mum Caroline to be enabling his brother's actions rather than pushing him to deal with his demons."
The source added that Caroline finds herself in an impossible position, whilst Gordon Ramsay has offered considerable backing to the couple, having experienced comparable difficulties with his own sibling.
Mr Peaty's father, Mark, acknowledged the deteriorating relationship between his sons, telling reporters: "They're brothers. They've always been close but like any normal family, brothers fight, argue, fall out, make up and start all over again. But it's got out of hand."
He expressed concern about the lack of understanding shown towards James's mental health struggles.
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