Tensions again arose between Samuels and Stokes in 2020; Stokes, who had been forced to quarantine while visiting his family in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic, later joked that the experience of isolation had been so tough "he wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy" - when asked if he included Samuels in that statement, he responded "no, it's that bad". Samuels responded on his social media with an expletive-laden post referencing Stokes' wife, which drew a negative response from many in the cricketing world. Among those to respond was Shane Warne, who told Samuels that he "needs serious help". Samuels again took to social media to respond, mocking Warne for having plastic surgery.