A group of former X Factor contestants are reportedly planning a multi-million-pound lawsuit against Simon Cowell’s firm SyCo. Five solo acts and one group are said to have claimed that going on the ITV talent show led to “bullying, mistreatment and neglect”.
One claimant, who has not been named, told the Sunday Mirror that being on the show was "a horrific experience" and that former contestants have been "suffering for years as a result", the Mirror reports. The singer said: “Myself and five former acts have agreed to join forces and get the justice we feel we deserve. Simon needs to take responsibility. We lost a lot of money from having periods of our lives not making money to deal with trauma still ingrained from the show."
The claimant said the case was "about justice, being compensated for the time and money we’ve spent with medical professionals trying to live normal lives again" and added: “We have a lot of evidence, including emails, recordings and psychological assessments that will show how we were mistreated."
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Speaking about how the show has affected them, they said: “It’s very easy for the public to see us with make-up, beautiful clothes and dry ice floating around. But just moments before stepping on stage many contestants were sleep deprived, in tears and suffering trauma.
"Lots of contestants are from underprivileged backgrounds so getting on the show was like a winning lottery ticket. You’re sold the dream, but once you’re off the show, you’re thrown into the world with very little after care.
"Your mental wellbeing was of no one’s interest. We were just pawns in their game. When I entered the show I was confident, ambitious and charismatic. Now I am extremely untrusting, emotional, nervous and full of anxiety.”
The Mirror approached SyCo for comment and was asked to make clear there is no allegation showbiz supremo Cowell was in any way aware of, or personally involved in, the incidents or behaviour alleged by the group.
A spokesman for X Factor said: “Welfare of those taking part is our number one priority and we have robust measures and welfare teams in place to ensure support is always available. We are unaware of any legal claims being filed against The X Factor and despite not being on air for several years, we remain open to discuss concerns with anyone who chooses to do so.”
It is a fresh headache for Cowell, 62, who was hit six months ago by news of a similar action by five ex-contestants, including Katie Waissel. Irish twins Edward and John Grimes, 30, who performed as Jedward in 2009, previously hit out at the programme, claiming: “Every contestant was a slave to the show and got paid zero while they made millions.”
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