X Factor New Zealand judges and married couple Natalia Kills and Willy Moon, who were fired from the show for their harsh comments to a competitor, are now trying to clarify the situation by releasing statements.
They both ripped apart contestant Joe Irvine, claiming he was trying to copy Moon’s look. Kills went as far as to call him a “laughing stock” and saying his audition was “artistically atrocious.”
They’re both now claiming the producers encouraged them to up the ante with their feedback and be as “outspoken” as possible. They both released statements via Twitter, with Kills writing, “At last! I am relieved that I'm finally able to break the silence..”
Billboard reports since the incident on the show, the owners of the local broadcaster said in a statement Kills and Moon were "no longer suitable to judge” the show and have been “removed.”
Celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding and Lorde have now rallied in support of Irvine and some even mocked Kills and Moon for their behavior.
Goulding tweeted, "Can't stop myself from commenting on NZ X factor situation because I can't stop thinking about how mean it was. Thank goodness they're gone."
image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com