Conor Maynard Addresses Charlotte Chilton Paternity Dispute After Second Test Confirms He Is Not Father
London, UK – August 22, 2025 – Singer Conor Maynard has publicly responded to ongoing claims by The Traitors star Charlotte Chilton, who alleged he was the father of her daughter, Penelope, following a second paternity test that reaffirmed he is not the biological father. The test results, announced on August 21, 2025, have intensified the public dispute, with Maynard issuing a statement to clarify his position and urge an end to the controversy, while Chilton remains “shell-shocked” by the outcome, according to The Sun and Daily Mail.
Background of the Dispute
Charlotte Chilton, 32, a contestant on the 2024 season of BBC’s The Traitors, claimed in June 2024 that Maynard, also 32, was the father of her unborn child, Penelope, conceived during a one-night stand after meeting at the show’s wrap party through mutual friend Harry Clark, who is dating Maynard’s sister, Anna. Chilton, who gave birth in October 2024, accused Maynard of refusing to acknowledge Penelope and ghosting her after learning of the pregnancy, as reported by Daily Mail. A first paternity test in March 2025, conducted in the presence of Chilton’s legal representative, confirmed Maynard was not the father, but Chilton questioned its validity, alleging an “unidentified male” was present during the sample collection and that the testing location was changed last-minute, per The Standard.
Second Paternity Test and Maynard’s Response
Following Chilton’s doubts, a second paternity test was conducted earlier this week at a Ministry of Justice-accredited facility chosen by Chilton, with DNA samples from Chilton, Penelope, and Maynard. The results, emailed on August 20, 2025, confirmed again that Maynard is not Penelope’s father, as reported by Metro.co.uk. On August 22, Maynard took to Instagram, stating, “Today I received the results of a second paternity test, which was requested by Charlotte Chilton regarding her baby girl, Penelope. As with the last test, this test has confirmed again that I am not Penelope’s father. The results are therefore conclusive. This has been difficult for me and my family, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support. I sincerely hope these results mean we can all find a way to move on with our lives.”
While Maynard’s statement avoided directly criticizing Chilton, his call to “draw a line under this” and move on was interpreted by some outlets, like LADbible, as a firm rebuttal to her persistent claims. Chilton, in response, has not directly addressed Maynard’s statement but is reportedly devastated, with a source telling The Sun, “Charlotte is shell-shocked by the news. She has been fighting for the truth to come out for the past 18 months during an already difficult time as a first-time single mum. It’s always been about having Penny’s father’s name on the birth certificate. Her little girl deserves that.”
Chilton’s Perspective and Legal Moves
Chilton’s insistence on Maynard’s paternity stemmed from her belief that Penelope’s resemblance to him was striking, stating in a Daily Mail interview, “There have been days where I’ve been in tears because I’m sitting here thinking, ‘I’ve got a daughter that looks f**king identical to you.’” She also expressed a desire for Penelope to have the option to know her father, saying, “If she wants to walk away from him, that’s fine, but she needs to make that decision for herself when she’s older.” Chilton’s legal team, including Paul Lunt, who represented Coleen Rooney in the “Wagatha Christie” case, has been exploring options, with earlier reports suggesting a push for a court-ordered test due to alleged irregularities in the first test, per *The Standard*.
Public and Media Reaction
The dispute has drawn significant attention, with mixed reactions on platforms like X. A fan (@swarlasthird) commented, “For someone to publicly bash you THAT HARD for being an ‘absent father’ whilst knowing someone else could be the father is completely SHOCKING,” reflecting support for Maynard. Others, like @cheery_jo_, expressed sympathy for Chilton’s emotional toll as a single mother. Media coverage has highlighted the personal strain on both parties, with Maynard discussing the mental health impact on This Morning in May 2025, saying, “I was instantly painted as a dead-beat dad. Mental health is something I have struggled with for a huge portion of my life. And this year has been up there with my battle with it.”
Broader Implications
The saga underscores the challenges of public paternity disputes, particularly in the social media age, where narratives can spiral, as seen in similar celebrity controversies like the recent Conor Maynard-Charlotte Chilton row reported by Geo.tv. For Maynard, who recently moved into a new home with girlfriend Kitty Bertrand, per Daily Mail, the resolution allows him to focus on his career and personal life. For Chilton, the outcome raises questions about her next steps, with her representatives stating, “Charlotte will now take time to process, heal, and reflect,” per The Mirror.
Conclusion
Conor Maynard’s firm response after a second paternity test confirmed he is not Penelope’s father aims to close a contentious 18-month dispute with Charlotte Chilton. While Maynard seeks to move forward, Chilton’s reported shock and ongoing legal considerations suggest the saga may not be fully resolved. The case highlights the emotional and public toll of such disputes, amplified by media scrutiny and social media reactions.
For more details, visit DailyMail.co.uk or Metro.co.uk.