Ex-Premier League ace's wife slammed over 'hoax' as new photo has fans baffled

Diletta Leotta took to Instagram to announce her big news

Diletta Leotta, the stunning 34-year-old DAZN presenter and partner of former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, 32, has faced criticism from puzzled fans who labeled her as "fake" following her two most recent Instagram posts. Leotta used the platform to announce her second pregnancy, sharing the news with a photo of herself, Karius, and their daughter Aria, all placing their hands on her baby bump. She accompanied the image with a heartfelt caption: "This Christmas we couldn't wish for a more beautiful gift. Aria is becoming a big sister, and our hearts are ready to love twice as much."

The DAZN presenter announced she is expecting a second child with Loris Karius

Fans quickly filled her comments section with congratulations. One user wrote: "I'm so happy, congratulations." A second commented: "How beautiful." While another praised: "Congratulations, you are WONDERFUL." Despite the joyous news, some followers criticized Diletta's social media content, accusing her of being "fake." Just one day prior, the presenter had shared a set of photos, purportedly from the previous weekend, that showed no apparent baby bump. Diletta's earlier post was captioned: "A weekend full of everything I love." The images featured her in a figure-hugging lilac dress and working out in a gym, with no visible signs of pregnancy.

Diletta's Instagram upload, claiming to be of pictures from last weekend, showed no signs of a baby bump

One user furiously commented: "How disingenuous are they on social media???? It's all a charade... one day flat tummy the next day pic with tummy... How can one be so oblivious???" A second user questioned in reply: "I noticed this too... but how do they manage it." A third labeled Diletta as "insufferable." Another confused follower remarked: "Impossible pics from this weekends, seeing as she has now posted baby bump pics." A fifth asked: "And where did the belly disappear to?" Karius was not spared from the backlash, with one comment jokingly aimed at the goalkeeper: "Please ensure you handle the baby carefully, Loris."

The presenter stunned in a lilac dress

Diletta is accustomed to provoking strong reactions with her online presence. Earlier this year, she caused controversy when she wore a sheer dress to her young daughter's birthday celebration. She publicly defended her clothing choice to La Gazzetta dello Sport, saying: "Of course I feel it [people being obsessed with aesthetics]. But I feel part of a shift in the perception of women as presenters and journalists, which I think is finally taking hold." Diletta elaborated: "It's clear that image is part of our profession, especially for those in television, but if you turn out to be a vessel without substance, you won't progress far." She concluded: "Even today, I study, I prepare, I try to stay informed: that is the key. Also, a beautiful dress is a pleasure to wear; being well-groomed, attractive, and pleasant to look at, I think, is also a matter of respect for the viewer, but I believe that applies in any work environment."