Table of Contents
- Simon Cowell Claims Former Contestants Have It In For Him
- Complaints From Former Contestants
- Simon Cowell's Response
- Notable Acts From The Show
SIMON Cowell has criticized some former contestants of The X Factor, asserting that they have “got it in” for him.
Alumni of the show, such as those who have recently reappeared on screens, have voiced their grievances.
Simon Cowell has claimed that former The X Factor stars have “got it in” for himCredit: Getty
The show concluded in 2018 after producing numerous chart-topping starsCredit: PA:Press Association
Katie Waissel is one contestant who claims the show “ruined” her life and has threatened to sue Simon’s companyCredit: Rex
The show’s first winner, Steve Brookstein, has also criticized SimonCredit: Getty
Katie Waissel, 36, who was dubbed the “most hated contestant” during her appearance on the show in 2010, has sought therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to experiencing panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
In 2023, she announced her plans to retrain as a lawyer to file a lawsuit against Simon’s firm, Syco Entertainment.
During an appearance on the This Rest is Entertainment podcast, Simon was asked by host Richard Osman: “What’s your opinion on those who are almost unionizing?
“I think Katie Waissel is training to be a lawyer and is trying to take legal action against you for exploitation or whatever it may be. What are your thoughts on that?”
Simon replied: “The vast majority of people have made a lot of money and achieved what they wanted – which was fame.
“So certain individuals just have it in for me. There’s nothing I can do about that.”
Simon also suggested that unhappy singers should “consider a career change.”
Emphasizing that there was a duty of care on The X Factor, Simon stated: “We always met with them beforehand and explained that there are consequences, such as a loss of privacy, that they must manage.
“If you don’t like that, then I recommend becoming an accountant or a gardener, where no one knows who you are, and you won’t face that issue.”
Simon had a series of successful acts during his time on the show, including One Direction, JLS, and Little Mix.
However, some former contestants harbor animosity towards the businessman.
In 2023, Katie told The Times that the show “ruined” her life, declaring: “I am pursuing a civil case of personal injury based on negligence, which relates to duty of care.
“The show destroyed my life. Many of us have felt trapped, and it’s unfair; there was a significant power imbalance.”
Steve Brookstein, the show’s first-ever winner, also criticized Simon in an interview with the Daily Mail last year.
“The X Factor gave me everything I didn’t want: humiliation. It feels like an albatross around my neck.”
He also claimed: “He [Cowell] remarked, ‘You’re so fortunate you didn’t audition [this year] – the standard is much higher. Last year was somewhat of a joke.’ This was unnecessary. I had just released a number one album.”
Meanwhile, former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall has made several pointed remarks about Simon since embarking on a solo career.
Simon’s latest signing, December 10, is currently working on new music after being formed by the mogul this year.
The X Factor produced major stars such as One Direction 
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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