Simon Cowell has issued a statement in support of X Factor star Lucy Spraggan after she recently revealed she was a victim of rape during her time on the show.
In the face of this harrowing revelation, Simon described the singer’s ordeal as nothing short of “horrific.”
Lucy, the talented musician who captivated audiences during her stint on the popular ITV singing competition in 2012, became an instant fan favorite with her sensational original song Last Night.
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However, just weeks into the live shows, she made the agonizing decision to withdraw from the competition, a decision that she has now revealed was prompted by the traumatic experience of being raped by a hotel porter.
(Image: America’s Got Talent/Youtube)
Despite not being a judge on her season, Simon Cowell personally reached out to Lucy, expressing his profound remorse.
In a poignant statement, the media mogul reflected on the deep friendship that blossomed between them after their initial encounter.
“What happened to Lucy was horrific and heartbreaking.
“When I had the chance to speak with Lucy, I made sure to personally express my sincere apologies for everything she has endured.
(Image: BBC)
“Despite the tragic circumstances that brought us together, a genuine friendship and mutual respect have flourished.”
Simon continued: “Lucy is one of the most authentic, talented, and brave people I have ever met.
“Since we connected, I have had the honour to work with Lucy and I have always supported her wish to tell her story, as well as her efforts to bring about positive change.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
In an emotional interview with BBC Breakfast, Lucy tearfully recounted her initial apprehension about approaching Simon’s media entertainment company, Syco.
Lucy admitted that she originally thought that Syco would be ‘aggressive’ when she spoke to them.
To her astonishment, Simon’s response shattered her fears as he uttered two powerful words: “I’m sorry.”
“[They] said, ‘Simon wants to talk to you’. And he called me, and I picked up the phone. And he said, ‘Lucy, before you or I say anything else, the first thing I need to tell you is that I’m sorry.’ It makes me emotional now,” she recollected, as she began to cry.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Lucy shared: “No one else said sorry. He wasn’t even on my year, he wasn’t even a judge. Yet, as a human being, he provided me with everything I needed in those two words.”
The production companies Thames and Syco, responsible for The X Factor, acknowledged their primary duty of care toward all contributors and expressed deep remorse for any shortcomings in their support for Lucy.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
