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Original poster

to think X Factor exploitation and humiliation has reached a new low

114 replies

Servalan · 01/09/2012 21:23

So tonight on the X Factor there was a woman in her 50s humiliating herself - likening herself to Madonna and murdering a Lady Gaga song

OK, fair dos, she's put herself up for it, anyone entering the competition could be setting themselves up for ridicule - it's been the format of the audition shows from day one.

That aside, I am horrified at the decision by whatever producer was responsible to film her 2 teenage children in the wings and to make entertainment out of their crippling mortification. The woman's daughter looked like she was about to burst into tears.

I would bet anything that they are going to be getting a shit time at school next week - and who knows for how long :(. I think the show has crossed a line here and there is absolutely no justification for humiliating children for the sake of entertainment Angry

OP posts:
39widow · 01/09/2012 21:24

i felt for those kids as well - but they must have given permission to be filmed, and i think they knew how bad their mother was at singing

LadyBeagleEyes · 01/09/2012 21:26

I did feel sorry for them, but I got the impression that they're used to their mum being a bit eccentric, as probably do all their mates.

BatmanLovesMenInEyeliner · 01/09/2012 21:32

I felt sorry for them too - and well done to Tulisa for recognising that the kids would be in for a hard time and trying to deflect it.

X Fctor this year is just awful. Poor kids. Poor set up girl in the first show. Sad

Original poster
Servalan · 01/09/2012 21:37

The kids' mates might be used to their mum being a tit - but bear in mind there will be kids at their school who are not their mates - who probably don't even know their names who will most likely have a go.

I think even if they gave permission to be filmed, they probably have no idea what they have let themselves in for :(

OP posts:
LiquidCosh · 01/09/2012 21:38

I really hate x factor now and all it stands for. I didnt see the lady in question as I refuse to watch it but there must still be a demand for this crap otherwise it would have been axed a long time ago.

MrsTerrysChocolateOrange · 01/09/2012 21:41

Some people are in complete denial though. I worked with a woman who insisted on singing at work (very professional job) was tone deaf and couldn't sing. She was CONVINCED she was great at it. Some people don't know until they get on there. I hate this sort of thing but I have empathy which TV producers lack.

Shelly32 · 01/09/2012 21:42

It broke my heart seeing those kids' faces. My DH suggested they may have all been inon it but to me looking at their faces..no way. They were gutted. Shame on the mum for exploiting herself and shame on X factor for exacerbating it.

JeezyOrangePips · 01/09/2012 21:43

MrsTerry, I hope I didnt work with you...

GravyHadALumpyMashBaby · 01/09/2012 21:45

Oh it was terrible wasn't it! Was actually quite upsetting seeing her daughter in those close ups! Awful, awful stuff.

GhostShip · 01/09/2012 21:46

I used to think it was funny, but now I know how it works (my friend auditioned) it angers me. Using people.

MrsTerrysChocolateOrange · 01/09/2012 21:46

JeezyOrangePips Grin

FriedEggsAndHam · 01/09/2012 21:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BellaVita · 01/09/2012 21:50

Those poor children. My heart went out to them Sad

scotlass · 01/09/2012 21:50

My 13yr old DD turned to me and with total seriousness said those kids are so going to get bullied at school next week, mum please tell me you would NEVER do that to me.

I hate the audition shows, normally only start watching when the live shows start.

GhostShip · 01/09/2012 21:52

Fried yeah it's daft how it's edited. The mega long queues and crowds are to see the producers not the celebs. My friend is actually amazing and I'm not just saying that. She didn't get through because she's a 30 year old woman who is lovely but hasn't got anything 'WOW' or weird and she wouldn't use a sob story.

But they put the, shall I say, not so good people through because they're entertaining. :(

FriedEggsAndHam · 01/09/2012 21:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GhostShip · 01/09/2012 22:00

I don't know but I think it's probably because these people think they're good, so just want the opportunity to go on. The producers tell them they have chance and that's that. It's a shame.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 01/09/2012 22:02

Bread and circuses.

Teamumizumi · 01/09/2012 22:04

For the first time, i haven't watched it this year as CBA. It is a tired format, exploitative and outdated. The easiest way to tell the producers that we don't like it is to not watch it and try to persuade other people not to watch it either.

Natnat29 · 01/09/2012 22:04

I felt exactly the same, my heart sank for those two kids. All the close ups of them both cringing were OTT x factor milking it. Bless them both hopefully they won't get too much stick over it

ginmakesitallok · 01/09/2012 22:06

Feeling the same here - watched it with DD1 (8) and even she mentioned that the kids were going to have a hard time in school next week. I had to promise her I would never go on tele and try to sing.

LapsedPacifist · 01/09/2012 22:08

Humiiating midddle-aged/older women is always good for a laugh.

mosschops30 · 01/09/2012 22:09

Sorry but these people go and know what its all about.

Those of you saying 'really broke my heart' and 'oh my heart went out to those kids' really need a wake up call. There are children out there with no food or heating, abused, witnessing violence, exploited, incurable illness, alone, orphaned. Your heart shoukd be breaking for them. Stop being professionally 'disgusted' by crap that doesnt matter.
These kids saw their mum making a show of herself on the X factor big fucking deal!

ladymariner · 01/09/2012 22:14

How the hell this crap is still being shown I have no idea. I absolutely hate the X Factor with a passion, I think it's televised bullying and it seems I'm right. Sickening.

baskingseals · 01/09/2012 22:15

i think empathy is like love thought mosschops, there's not a limit.

it is possible to feel for 2 children being publicly embarassed, and still feel for the thousands of children who aren't being allowed a childhood. one does not exclude the other.