TV
Rex Features
The Hills star was taken to hospital in Costa Rica earlier this week after reportedly contracting a stomach bug while living in isolation from her fellow celebrity campers.
Speaking to People, Stephanie said: "Heidi was virtually on her deathbed. She's never been sicker in her life. I can't believe NBC did that.
"Basically, she started throwing up. She threw up like 30 times because she had no food in her. I guess she went unconscious and was rushed to the hospital with an IV in her arm.
"I understand [that quitting the show] was not cool...It was pretty awful. But the punishment they got went way too far."
When asked if Heidi and husband Spencer would be returning to the show, she said: "I really don't think so. Heidi is in really bad shape."
Earlier today, producer ITV denied allegations that the pair had been tortured on the set by executives, insisting that a doctor was present at all times during their stay in the jungle.
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