Bosses at The X Factor New Zealand have fired two of their judges - Natalia Kills and Willy Moon - after the pair launched a hugely harsh criticism and attack on a contestant on the show.
A married couple, Kills and Moon appeared on the show's judging panel for the first time this series, and the former was seen taking offence to Joe Irvin's live performance, claiming it was "disgusting" and "absolutely artistically atrocious" because the singer had a suit on and a hairstyle similar to that of her husband Moon.
The show's producer in New Zealand MediaWorks describes the comments made from the pair as "unacceptable" and revealed that the duo have left The X Factor NZ "effective immediately".
Chief executive Mark Weldon explained: "Last night on X Factor both Kills and Moon made comments that were completely unacceptable.
"While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges.
"Contestants put their all into this competition and they should expect to receive feedback and criticism that is professional and constructive.
"We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people to perform the role of X Factor judges and they will leave the show, effective immediately."
The controversy started when Kills said following Irvine's performance: "From the hair to the suit, do you not have any value or respect for originality?
"You're a laughing stock - it's cheesy, it's disgusting, I personally found it absolutely artistically atrocious. I am embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence, even having to dignify you with an answer of my opinion."
With the audience turning on Kills, the contestant Irvine was visibly upset but did make a comment comparing her to Egyptian Cleopatra.
Moon added: "To me it just seems a little bit cheap and absurd. It's like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing. It's just a little bit creepy.
"I feel like you're going to stitch someone's skin to your face and then kill everybody in the audience."
Kills jumps back in to complete her attack, saying: "I'm going to say it. It's disgusting. You make me sick. It's absolutely disgusting. You have no identity. I can't stand it. I'm ashamed to be here."
Director of programme Jonathon Summerhayes said of MediaWorks' decision to fire Kills and Moon: "We 100% support TV3 and MediaWorks in their decision to remove them. The X Factor does not tolerate the behaviour they displayed last night."
Two new judges are to be announced before next week's programme, with Melanie Blatt and Stan Walker continuing to judge the show together.
Tagged in The X Factor