Lord Alan Sugar has hit back at those who say he is a bully.
The businessman denied the accusations of bullying behaviour on BBC One series The Apprentice.
Asked about his way of delivering bad news, he explained to Radio Times magazine: "I don't flower my words. If someone is useless, I'll tell them. If someone has done a good job, I'll also tell them.
"Identifying a truth is not bullying."
He then went on to add: "No one likes to be told a home truth. Many times I tell them in a very nice way, actually. Just before they get fired, I explain to them that they're not ready for this process but they should carry on what they are doing.
"There are others who both I and the audience are very annoyed with and who perhaps deserve a bit of bringing down to earth."
"You have to look at my history. People would have reported it if lots of people were taking me to tribunals. Speak to my employees. I've got people here who have worked for me for 35 to 40 years. They work for me because they enjoy working for me."
The Apprentice starts with a double bill on Tuesday and Wednesday next week on BBC One.
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