X Factor Winner Launches Blistering Attack on Simon Cowell's 'Humiliation' Claims
In a dramatic intervention that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, former X Factor champion Matt Terry has delivered a powerful condemnation of Simon Cowell's recent comments about contestants on the iconic ITV talent show. The 2016 winner has accused the music mogul of "humiliating people" and failing to understand the psychological impact of nationwide exposure on young performers.
The Emotional Video Revelation
Terry, now 32, shared a deeply personal three-minute video in which he expressed his anger and disappointment at Cowell's recent podcast appearance. The singer revealed how he "felt like a failure" and "didn't want to wake up" after his victory failed to transform him into the "global superstar" many expected him to become. His emotional testimony provides a stark counter-narrative to Cowell's assertion that most contestants "got what they wanted, which was fame and money."
The former champion questioned Cowell's perspective directly, stating: "It wasn't obvious to me and many contestants that we were going to face such nationwide exposure. I went on X Factor because I was a very young person with a dream, and I just wanted to sing and be an artist."
Mental Health Struggles and Recovery Journey
Terry's revelations about his post-X Factor experience are particularly poignant. The singer disclosed that he has undergone "two years of therapy" to rebuild his mental health after the intense scrutiny and pressure that followed his 2016 victory. He described how the expectation to become an instant global superstar created unbearable pressure, leading to dark periods where he "would go to bed at night, wishing that I wouldn't wake up."
However, Terry's story also contains a powerful message of recovery. He explained how he has "completely taken control" of his life, fallen "back in love with myself" and now defines success on his own terms as a creative artist who writes, performs and acts regularly.
The Accountability Question
Central to Terry's criticism is his demand for greater accountability from Cowell and the show's producers. He argued that while Cowell has "done great things for many people," there needs to be recognition that "the show that he created along with other people has humiliated people."
Terry specifically highlighted what he sees as problematic practices: "He's taken people off the street that they know can't sing for example and said 'you're brilliant why don't you come on X Factor?' and fed them to the wolves let's say, and are putting them on national television, knowing that they are going to be humiliated."
The singer suggested that proper accountability would involve acknowledging that "at the time we weren't talking about mental health, we weren't aware of mental health, we didn't have duty of care we weren't psychologically analysing contestants or giving them a heads up."
Industry-Wide Concerns and Historical Context
Terry's comments echo growing concerns within the entertainment industry about duty of care towards reality television participants. His intervention follows similar criticisms from other former X Factor stars since the show was shelved in 2021. Notable alumni including Cher Lloyd and Rebecca Ferguson have previously spoken out about their challenging experiences.
The X Factor, created by Cowell in 2004, launched the careers of major UK stars including Little Mix, Olly Murs and Alexandra Burke. At its peak, the programme attracted record audiences of 18 million viewers, but in later years faced criticism for manufactured results and storylines before being quietly placed on hiatus in 2018.
Cowell's Defence and Industry Response
Simon Cowell had previously defended the show's practices during an appearance on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast while promoting his Netflix docuseries. When questioned about duty of care protocols, Cowell insisted: "I did everything I possibly could, but not everything worked out the way we wanted to. The vast majority of people who came on the show, they made a lot of money and got what they wanted, which was fame."
Regarding controversial audition footage, Cowell maintained: "That is the reality with auditions. I've always gone with about half a percent, if you're lucky, the people you see are going to be good."
A spokesperson for The X Factor previously told media outlets that welfare measures were "extremely serious" during Terry's participation in 2016, with a psychologist present at key stages, a dedicated welfare producer, and medical support available confidentially throughout the competition.
The Changing Landscape of Entertainment
Terry acknowledged that the entertainment landscape has evolved significantly since his 2016 victory, noting: "In 2016, when I won, also the time was different, we weren't talking about mental health, so it's going to be different, it's been 10 years."
His comments reflect broader societal shifts in how mental health is discussed within the entertainment industry and beyond. The conversation initiated by Terry's video highlights ongoing tensions between entertainment value and ethical responsibility in reality television production.
As the debate continues, Terry has emphasised his personal journey towards healing and self-acceptance, concluding: "I'm just going to focus on being me and being happy" – a sentiment that many former reality television participants may find resonates with their own experiences in the spotlight.
