X Factor star Chico has described recent reports of systemic bullying on the ITV show as 'bewildering'.
As reported by the Sunday Mirror, Simon Cowell's company SyCo is facing legal action after six acts have made allegations against the X Factor, claiming they were 'bullied'.
But Chico, real name Yousepph Slimani, 50, who shot to fame with It's Chico Time, has had nothing but good things to say about his experience on the ITV talent series, insisting he found the latest claims astonishing.
“In terms of my time on the show, I’ve got nothing to complain about in any way shape or form because we were looked after by our own mentors who gave us songs we all had to agree on," he said.
"There was a consensus that you were happy to do that song. As far as I’m concerned when I hear this and the claims being made, it’s bewildering to me," reported GB News today.
However, one X Factor contestant told us: “Being on the show was a horrific experience. We’ve been suffering for years as a result. It’s awful.”
The singer we spoke to, who we are not identifying, added: “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."
Chico, who appeared on the show in 2005, said he felt social media had a big part to play in the way contestants have faired in recent years- but insisted he he didn't have a bad word to say about the programme.
“One thing I would say, is that the difference back in my day, seventeen years ago, was we didn’t have social media so that didn’t follow us around 24/7," he pointed out.
"But, regarding the wellbeing of people on the show at the time, I've got to say it was absolutely incredible. Simon actually said to me the show I was on was later used as a template for the other series which followed.”
The Mirror approached SyCo for comment and was asked to make clear there is no allegation music mogul Simon 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 No1 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.”
