X-Factor judges in homophobic row

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • November 6, 2006 - 0:00

When the cameras stopped Walsh reportedly lashed out at Cowell accusing him of going too far

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Reality show judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh launched gay insults at each other during last weekend's X Factor resulting in an off camera confrontation, according to reports.

The music moguls who form the show's judging panel along with Sharon Osbourne, are known to have a tempestuous on-screen relationship, but Walsh is alleged to have had enough after Cowell insinuated that the Irish pop scout is gay during the live show.

Cowell said Walsh had a "a massive unfair advantage" because it was a "camp" ABBA night, to which the Irishman retorted, : "Simon, this song is dedicated to you… it's called Does Your Mother Know."

When the cameras stopped Walsh reportedly lashed out at Cowell accusing him of going too far.

Meanwhile Cowell was unhappy that Walsh had voted off his act Ashley McKenzie.

Sources told The Mirror that the row got so heated that bodyguards had to step in.

Cowell then refused to appear on the ITV2 after-show, he accused Walsh of being "petty and vindictive."

He told The Mirror "I'm angry because I thought Ashley was very good and don't believe he should have gone.

"I was annoyed because I don't believe you should be tactical when you vote in this show. I would even kick my own acts out, if necessary.

"He knew that Ashley had a much, much better chance of going forward in the show. I called him spiteful because he used something personal against me to affect someone's career and I don't think that is acceptable."

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