Love Island’s Chyna accuses Strictly fiance Neil Jones’ family of ‘racism and bullying’

Love Island alum Chyna Mills has spoken out about a long-running rift with the family of her fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones, accusing them of racism, bullying, and persistent disrespect in a candid public statement that has stunned fans.

The 27-year-old reality star and model, who welcomed daughter Havana with Jones in 2023, had only just shared idyllic images from the toddler’s baptism when she revealed the emotional turmoil behind the scenes. 

In a post uploaded hours after the celebration, Mills claimed that members of Jones’ family – specifically his mother, Helen – deliberately chose not to attend the ceremony.

Photos shared earlier in the day showed baby Havana smiling in a traditional white gown, surrounded by godparents and close friends, including Strictly professional Lauren Oakley. 

But behind the joyful imagery, Mills says she was grappling with the absence of one half of her child’s extended family.

Calling the moment ‘heartbreaking,’ she wrote: ‘I’ve faced bullying, racism and constant disrespect from a so-called MIL since the moment I met her. This year I decided enough was enough and gave her the chance to speak about whatever one-sided issue she had. Of course, I was ignored.’

Mills explained that the strained relationship has left her repeatedly attempting – and failing – to build bridges. According to her, recent attempts to initiate honest conversation were dismissed entirely.

She continued: ‘I’ve done everything I could to build relationships, yet nothing was ever reciprocated.’

‘Havana’s baptism was a special day, and his family chose not to attend out of loyalty to her and they refuse to acknowledge what’s unfolded over the past few years. That’s on them.

Although the couple have largely kept family matters private until now, Mills said the ongoing animosity crossed a line when it threatened to overshadow a milestone in her daughter’s life.

‘But I won’t accept negative comments or false narratives on my baby girl’s special moments.

‘All that matters is Havana being surrounded by love. Her happiness comes first. Always.’

Followers had already noticed the cracks before Mills addressed them directly. 

In her original baptism post, she thanked her family and closest friends for attending, but noticeably did not mention Jones’ side. 

The omission fuelled online discussion and Mills’ later admission made clear that it was intentional.

Strictly dancer Lauren Oakley, one of Havana’s godparents, attended the ceremony and appeared in several photos, signalling that Jones’ professional circle remains close with the couple. 

Jones and Mills announced both their engagement and pregnancy last year after he proposed on a romantic trip to Bali. 

Neither Neil Jones nor his family have publicly responded to Mills’ allegations. 

Fans of the pair have since flooded her comments with messages of support, praising her for speaking openly about feeling excluded and for prioritising her daughter’s environment.

This is not the first time Mills has spoken out on her daughter’s behalf, writing for Metro about the barrage of hurtful comments she’s received on pictures of her daughter online.

She wrote: ‘Hurtful messages began pouring in, including: “This is a white child”, “Whose white baby is that?”, “Did your genes even try to work?”, and even “I hope your ancestors curse your womb for having a white child”.

‘Reading those comments broke me. I felt devastated, confused, and angry.

How could people troll a baby? I was consumed with resentment — not just towards the people leaving these comments, but social media itself.’

She continued: ‘As a mother, my instinct is to protect my child at all costs, and while I knew Havana was too young to understand or see these messages, it didn’t stop the pain or the helplessness I felt.’

Concluding her moving piece, Mills wrote: ‘It costs nothing to be kind, and it can make all the difference. My hope is that by sharing my experience, I can encourage others to think twice before they speak or type.

‘And most importantly, I hope Havana grows up in a kinder, more understanding world — one that values her for who she is, not the colour of her skin.’

Metro has contacted representatives of Neil Jones for comment.

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