ADAM Peaty and Holly Ramsay have broken their silence on a bitter family feud, insisting “we don’t want sympathy”.
Tonight, the Olympian, 30, took to social media and accused his family of “encouraging” false claims about him and his fiancée.
Adam said his wife-to-be Holly, 25, and his sister Bethany had both been “targeted” and “hurt” by the drama, which now involves police.
It reads: “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. It has been deeply hurtful and upsetting to read, especially given the false basis upon which we have been targeted.
“What makes it worse is that it has been encouraged by members of my family.”
The champion swimmer assured fans there were two sides to the story and insisted he only has good intentions.
It follows claims that he has changed since meeting Holly and becoming part of the Ramsay clan, distancing himself from his working class roots.
He continued: “Bethany, Holly and myself cannot go into detail given an ongoing police investigation into serious matters that arose long before recent events.
“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. I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times.
“Bethany, Holly and I will get through this – we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story. To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding – thank you. It is deeply appreciated.”
Adam’s aunt Louise previously branded his fiancée Holly “divisive and hurtful” in a bitter online rant after her sister Caroline wasn’t invited to her hen do at Soho Farmhouse. Caroline was later banned from the couple’s wedding at Bath Abbey next month.
Bethany attended the hen party, as did Holly’s mum Tana Ramsay and close friend Victoria Beckham.
Taking to Instagram, Caroline praised her sister by sharing a quote which read: “The moment you realise: the little sister who once drove you crazy is now the one who keeps you sane.
“Your loudest supporter and forever best friend.”
It continued: “She eventually becomes the comfort zone which every elder sister secretly needed all along.”
Caroline added: “Louise I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my protector through this difficult time x.
“To the people who are being so cruel to my sister, please stop. Sadly you obviously don’t understand the bond of sisters.
Worried Holly called the police last weekend while Adam was on his stag do in Budapest over concerns he could be assaulted by his brother James when he got back to the UK.
Adam was escorted by five police officers through passport control upon touching down in the UK. His brother was later arrested at his Staffordshire home.
A source close to Adam and Holly said: “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.
“Poor Caroline must feel utterly torn and it’s just very hard for everyone.
“Gordon has been incredibly supportive of Holly and Adam; after all, he’s been through similar issues with his own brother.”
Adam’s father Mark previously told The Sun that the feud had spiralled out of control.
He said: “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.
“There’s been very little empathy towards Jamie’s genuine mental health difficulties.”
While Caroline, who supported Adam’s swimming career from a young boy to record breaker, has claimed she wants to repair the rift.
She told the Daily Mail: “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.
“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 reason I’m speaking out is I want all this to end.”
She added that she has reached rock bottom over the family feud, which has seen Adam pull closer to the Ramsays.