VIDEO: X Factor judges axed after shocking ‘bullying’ of contestant on live TV

Mon, 16 Mar, 2015 - 11:57

Shaun Cronin

Two judges on the New Zealand version of the X Factor were fired last night after being accused of bullying a contestant live on air.

Husband-and-wife Natalia Kills and Willy Moon were judges on the show and they launched into a tirade after the performance of contestant Joe Irvine on the live shows last weekend.

Kills accused Irvine of ripping off her husband's style and look in his performance of Cry Me A River - labelling him “cheesy”, “disgusting” and “absolutely artistically atrocious.”

Her husband Willy Moon then chimed in comparing Irvine to a fictional serial killer.

"It's like Norman Bates (from the film Psycho) dressing up in his mother's clothing. It's just a little bit creepy, and I feel like you're going to stitch someone's skin to your face and then kill everybody in the audience," said Moon.

Judge Kills then proceeded to go off on Irvine yet again, prompting a furious backlash from the public calling for the duo to be kicked off the show.

Fellow judges Melanie Blatt and Stan Walker were outraged took to social media to slam their then colleagues - although Kills seemed unrepentant on what she said.

Ive tried to keep my cool and stay professional but really @nataliakills ? Sorry love , you're a twat https://t.co/l2lIE21G99
— melanie blatt (@melblatt) March 15, 2015

@NataliaKills U think its alright 2 champion urself in ur disgusting actions with no remorse 4 being a bully. Wake up man & humble urself.
— Stan Walker (@1stanwalker) March 15, 2015

After the outcry and multiple petitions the pair were let go by showmakers MediaWorks last night.

Mediaworks chief executive Mark Weldon has since released a statement on their dismissal.

“While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges,” said Weldon.

“We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people to perform the role of X Factor judges and they will leave the show, effective immediately.”

The competition continued with just Blatt and Walker last night, with two new judges to be named before next week’s show.

Well thats that. Now lets focus on these talented & incredible contestants. The show is about them. Lets move forward. Justice was served!
— Stan Walker (@1stanwalker) March 16, 2015

Irvine for his part has released a video statement thanking people for their support since the incident and music star Ed Sheeran has offered him his support.

And, after all that Joe got through to the next round.