Nikita Kuzmin has become a fan-favourite in the current series of Celebrity Big Brother, with his friendly and energetic approach to his fellow housemates sparking fans to praise his "caring" nature.
However, his sensitivity was blasted by former Strictly Come Dancing star and famously outspoken social media user, James Jordan, who labelled the dancer “soft” for crying during Thursday’s episode.
Thursday saw an explosion of drama as the housemates had to nominate the person they think should leave - but this time in front of each other.
Kuzmin, 26, clearly found the public vote awkward and was tearful as he announced he’d be selecting controversial housemate Louis Walsh to be up for eviction.
As he apologised, he cited reasons others had brought up about the former X Factor star, such as his unwillingness to help out around the house while others tidied and cleaned.
Walsh, 71, cruelly remarked: “Stop crying for God's sake,” at the Strictly star.
Nikita became emotional during the vote
ITV
While Walsh’s comments saw a furious backlash from fans, it seems he wasn’t the only one to take issue with Kuzmin’s tears.
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Jordan, 45, took to X to blast the Ukrainian, posting: “Why is Nikita crying??? Worlds gone soft!!! Fact!”
However, fans rushed to Kuzmin’s defence in the comments, reiterating that there’s nothing wrong with showing emotions.
One responded: “I think it’s because he’s hating the pressure people do deal with pressure by crying why say not about Ekin or any of the others that have cried in there ??”
Nikita voted for Louis and Fern in the public nomination
ITV
“Aaaww love Nikita ... he comes across as a genuinely lovely, caring guy. I imagine it's quite tense, and emotions run high at face to face nominations,” another pointed out.
“Because he's sensitive and doesnt like the people he's growing close to getting hurt? It's a pressure cooker in there as I'm sure u know? Fair play to him for showing his emotions! Men need to do it more without judgement!” another argued.
A fourth asked: “So men can't show their emotion?? The tension was very high and he doesn't like to hurt people or offend anyone so it got to him.”
“I love Nikita. Maybe he just doesn’t like hurting other peoples feelings. Hes just a genuine guy, what you see is what you get. Hes sensitive and thats ok,” a different user penned.
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James blasted Nikita on his social media account for crying
Getty
Someone else remarked: “No harm in crying James. Does that make you soft all the times you've cried then?!?!”
The latest episode showed Kuzmin definitely wasn’t the only one to become overwhelmed with emotion during the tense interaction, with Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu storming off after receiving multiple votes from her housemates.
She ended up clashing with Fern Britton and others for opting to vote her out despite voting for Britton and Walsh herself.
She walked away from the scene and after questioning Marisha Wallace on her vote, ended up shouting: “I hope you win – take the crown!”