A bitter celebrity feud has erupted into fresh controversy after Katie Price’s former husband, Kieran Hayler, was acquitted of all charges in a highly publicised trial. But while the verdict brought an end to the criminal proceedings against the 39-year-old, attention quickly shifted to Price herself after a judge delivered a devastating assessment of parts of her courtroom testimony.

Now, former associates are questioning the reality star’s conduct, with particular attention falling on a private message presented during the proceedings — one containing an extraordinary promise that has reignited scrutiny of her involvement in the case.

THE MESSAGE THAT PUT KATIE PRICE UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

At Lewes Crown Court, Hayler was found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations involving a 13-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2016.

Price, who had been married to Hayler when the alleged incidents occurred, appeared as a witness.

However, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Judge Mark van der Zwart criticised aspects of her evidence, describing her as the kind of witness earlier generations of barristers might have considered dangerous.

The judge also instructed jurors to disregard part of her testimony.

Yet another detail attracted considerable attention: messages exchanged between Price and the complainant in 2014.

One message showed Price asking whether Hayler had kissed the girl before offering to make her a little star.

Although the message was examined during the trial, its precise significance and Price’s intentions remain matters of interpretation.

Nevertheless, the exchange has become a focal point for critics questioning her behaviour.

ACCUSATIONS OF REVENGE AND A MARRIAGE DESTROYED BY BETRAYAL

The courtroom dispute reopened painful chapters from Price and Hayler’s turbulent relationship.

The couple married in 2013, but their marriage was rocked by Hayler’s affair with Price’s former close friend Jane Pountney in 2014.

Their relationship later deteriorated further amid revelations involving another friend, Chrissy Thomas, before they separated in 2017.

During his trial, Hayler accused his former wife of attempting to damage his reputation through fabricated allegations and a smear campaign.

Price denied those accusations.

His legal representatives also challenged her conduct during the proceedings, alleging that she had attempted to undermine the trial.

Meanwhile, unnamed individuals described as former associates have offered particularly harsh assessments of Price, portraying her as someone unwilling to forgive perceived betrayals.

These remain personal allegations rather than established findings about her motives.

THE ENGAGEMENT RING THAT TRIGGERED ANOTHER WAVE OF SPECULATION

As news of Hayler’s acquittal emerged, Price appeared in photographs wearing an engagement ring associated with her most recent former husband, Lee Andrews.

The timing immediately attracted speculation.

According to unnamed sources quoted in the original report, Price may have been attempting to redirect public attention away from the judge’s criticism.

The same sources pointed to her social-media activity, including promotional posts, old television footage and family-related content.

However, there is no established evidence that these appearances or posts were deliberately coordinated to distract from the verdict.

Questions also emerged over Price’s reported explanation for not returning to court for further questioning, which involved concerns about her mother Amy’s serious health condition.

Some critics disputed her reasoning, although the report did not establish that her explanation was false.

A NOT-GUILTY VERDICT, BUT A FAMILY STILL FACING THE AFTERMATH

For Hayler, the acquittal marked the conclusion of a deeply distressing legal ordeal.

People described as close to him claimed the accusations had damaged his relationships, reputation and personal life.

They also suggested he had no desire to rebuild contact with Price.

The repercussions have extended beyond the former couple, with relatives and children reportedly affected by years of uncertainty and public attention.

Yet the central legal outcome remains unmistakable: Hayler was acquitted of every charge he faced.

The verdict does not, by itself, establish that Price fabricated the allegations or orchestrated the prosecution.

For Price, however, the judge’s criticism has created a new reputational challenge, particularly as former associates publicly question whether her professional relationships can recover.

And while the courtroom proceedings have concluded, the controversy surrounding that private message has left one especially contentious issue unresolved: what Price truly intended when she offered the young recipient a chance to become…