Simon Cowell revealed he spoke to David Walliams after he quit Britain's Got Talent - but he left the producers of the show to decide who should replace him.
The comedian quietly stepped away from the show after voice messages surfaced of him discussing auditions' looks in a sexual and derogatory manner.
Ahead of BGT returning this evening with a new judge, Strictly Come Dancing Legend Bruno Tonioli, Simon addressed the shakeup for the first time.
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He said: "It's not the ethos of the show. I said at the time, these comments were completely unacceptable. I hadn't heard them before and it was upsetting.
"But from where I sat, this wasn't something I believe that was constant. Most of the time he seemed very respectful.
"We did say to the two producers you have to make the final decision. Because I am an executive producer, but they're more hands-on. And in the end, it was their decision. Obviously, everyone had some input. The network, Fremantle, all of us."
Simon spoke to David shortly after the controversy but hopes to move on from the subject, the Mirror reported. Discussing their chat, Simon said: "We had a conversation, but he owned what he said. He wasn't proud of what he said. It's not something I would ever condone."
Bruno rounds out the panel, joining Simon, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon as a new, permanent fixture.
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