X Factor judge Simon Cowell left viewers gobsmacked after he appeared to take a jibe at former show contestant Fleur East’s recent entry into the I’m A Celebrity jungle.
The music mogul was in the midst of praising his only remaining act, Scarlett Lee, when he left viewers stunned with what appeared to be a subtle dig at East, who was a runner-up on the show in 2014.
Speaking to Lee, the 59-year-old said: “This is the first time I’ve felt your nerves because you’re all about personality and a big voice. This weekend could change your life.
“I don’t want you in the jungle in two years drinking worm juice. I want you either on Broadway, [the] West End, [or] selling records.”
Shocked viewers declared Cowell a complete “savage” over the remark on social media.
One user wrote: “Er, are we gonna ignore Simon’s savage comment about Fleur East?”
Another commented: “Did Simon just absolutely savage Fleur East???”
Whilst a third added: “Simon Cowell digging out Fleur was savage. #Imacelebrity.”
Meanwhile, others criticised Cowell for the comment, accusing him of “letting down” the Walthamstow singer after the pair parted ways from their record agreement last year.
One user said: “So Simon making a dig at Fleur being in the jungle when she was signed to his record label ?? Clearly a sign that he’s failing at helping people who are not like One Direction to have consistent success in the industry #thexfactor.” [sic]
Whilst another added: “Wow, Simon says he doesn’t want Scarlett to ‘end up in the jungle drinking worm juice’. What a dig at Fleur East, who was hugely talented and let down by whoever was managing her career..”
Saturday night’s live show will see finalists Anthony Russell, Dalton Harris and Scarlett Lee battle it out in a bid to win X Factor 2018.
The X Factor final is on ITV, Sunday at 7:30pm.
