Over the weekend, a video surfaced online showing Louis and friends at a wedding, mocking the Arabic language and imitating Muslim prayers using a rug that had been taken down from the hotel wall.
Having already apologised on social media, he has now appeared on the daytime show, addressing the matter during his interview and admitting he was “ashamed” of himself.
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Louis Smith attempted to explain the situation on 'Loose Women'
ITV
Explaining the context of the video to the panel on Thursday (13 October), Louis said: “It was five o’clock in the morning it was in a bar, it was from a very childish silly thing we were doing, we were singing Disney songs - we were singing ‘Lion King’, we were singing ‘Jungle Book’, and then we went onto ‘Aladdin’ and I was like ‘we need a magic carpet’.
“My friend got one off the wall at the hotel and then that’s when things just went a bit too far, and we strayed off course on what we were doing in the evening and the actions that took place are what I’m having to deal with now…”
Louis went on to tell the presenters he sent the video in a group chat to “people that I thought were friends”, only for it to wind up being published on the internet.
When Janet Street Porter admonished his behaviour, claiming it was reminiscent of someone “10 or 15 years younger” than him, the Olympic gymnast responded: “It’s been such a crazy year and I haven’t really had a chance to act like an idiot after the Rio Olympic games.
“It was a time when I was at my best friends wedding, all my friends and family were there… in a place where you think you’re safe and you can perhaps be a bit of an idiot.”
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June Sarpong admitted she found it 'bizarre' that Louis could behave in that way, as someone who has experienced racism
ITV
Insisting he wasn’t a racist person, the Olympic gymnast added: “What I did wasn’t racist, and I’m not condoning my actions, what I did was very offensive and mocking Islam and the Muslim community is very bad, but it’s certainly not racist.
“I’ve experienced racism myself, I’ve grown up in a very caucasian council estate place when I was young and I was at the receiving end of racism and it’s something I do not condone.”
Since the video surfaced online, Louis tells the panel that both he and his loved ones have received death threats.
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Louis Smith first rose to prominence as an Olympic medallist
The former Girls Aloud singer is set to appear in a tour of 'Ghost The Musical', but there's a noticeable three-week gap in the middle of the timetable in November, when 'I'm A Celeb' usually airs.
Sarah herself has admitted she'd happily go in the jungle, provided she didn't have to eat any insects which, to be honest, might be a bit of a sticking point. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Louis Smith(02 of18)
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The Olympic gymnast has already won 'Strictly Come Dancing', and hinted after the 2016 Rio games that he could be destined for the jungle.
He'd be a good signing too, particularly after his behaviour at the Olympics this summer raised eyebrows from some viewers. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini(03 of18)
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Cheryl's ex was rumoured to have signed up in a bid to improve his 'reputation' here in the UK, though he dispelled the reports shortly afterwards, insisting he was focussing on work instead.
Quel dommage! (credit:Jordan Mansfield via Getty Images)
Jessica Wright(04 of18)
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Jess is the latest former 'TOWIE' cast member to be rumoured for the jungle, following on from Ferne McCann, Joey Essex and her brother, Mark Wright. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Robbie Savage(05 of18)
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After years of asking Robbie Savage to take part in the show, bosses are said to be 'quietly confident' that this will be the year for the football pundit. (credit:Matthew Ashton via Getty Images)
Conrad Murray(06 of18)
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So... yeah. Those unfamiliar with Conrad Murray will probably remember that time he was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, following the death of Michael Jackson.
His publicist revealed recently that he was 'in talks' with ITV to get him in the jungle which would be... an interesting move, for both parties. (credit:RexShutterstock)
Coleen Rooney(07 of18)
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Coleen was the first celeb to be rumoured for this year's series, but dismissed the claims almost as soon as they arrived. Pity, we think she'd be a right laugh in the jungle. (credit:Tim Whitby - The FA via Getty Images)
Nigel Farage(08 of18)
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Now, yes. On the surface this looks like a rumour made up to fill column inches and keep Farage's name in the papers.
And perhaps it is.
But sources have also suggested that the UKIP leader is heading into 'I'm A Celebrity', having previously been lured away from the 'CBB' house by a higher pay packet. We reckon, watch this space... (credit:FREDERICK FLORIN via Getty Images)
Fiona Wade(09 of18)
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One of two 'soap babes' (not our words) thought to be in talks for the new series, Fiona is best known for her role as Priya Sharma in 'Emmerdale'. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Adam Thomas(10 of18)
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However, Fiona isn't the only soap actor tipped to be joining the line-up, as her 'Emmerdale' co-star Adam Thomas's name has also been mentioned as a potential contestant. (credit:RexShutterstock)
Ryan Lochte(11 of18)
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Ryan's place in the jungle doesn't look very likely, as he's already been confirmed for the new series of 'Dancing With The Stars'.
However, it has been suggested that if he leave early (and given his popularity isn't exactly sky-high, it's a definite possibility), ITV bosses could snap him up as a potential late arrival. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Olympia Valance(12 of18)
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The second of the *sigh* 'soap babes' thought to have been approached by ITV bosses, Olympia is best known for her role in 'Neighbours'. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Craig Charles(13 of18)
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You may recall Craig was a contestant on 'I'm A Celeb' back in 2014, but was forced to pull out early due to the sudden death of his brother.
ITV bosses said at the time they'd be keen to have him back, and reports have been swirling that this could be the year for the 'Red Dwarf' actor. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Spencer Matthews(14 of18)
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And Craig isn't the only one.
Spencer was forced to pull out of the last series of 'I'm A Celebrity' due to drug use, but it has been suggested he may get another crack at the jungle this time around. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Helen Lederer(15 of18)
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Despite being repeatedly linked with a spot in this summer's 'Celebrity Big Brother', Helen was noticeably absent from the line-up. It's since been suggested that a higher offer from 'I'm A Celebrity' helped her make her decision. (credit:Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)
Adam Peaty(16 of18)
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Gold medallist Adam has expressed interest in joining 'I'm A Celeb', which ordinarily we could definitely see happening, but given just how many Olympians have been rumoured this year, surely it's not going to be an all-athlete special? (credit:John Walton/PA Wire)
Sam Reece(17 of18)
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Best known for getting dumped by Stephanie Davis back in January, Sam is reportedly among the stars headed Down Under (which we're sure his ex is just thrilled about). (credit:Neil P. Mockford via Getty Images)
Alex Salmond(18 of18)
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Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has denied claims he has signed up for 'I'm A Celeb', but did suggest that ex-PM David Cameron could be a contestant instead.
We think he's kidding... but could you imagine? (credit:Jack Taylor via Getty Images)