Another Former ‘X Factor’ Contestant Plans to Sue Simon Cowell’s Company, “The Show Almost Ruined My Life”
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Music mogul Simon Cowell just can’t seem to catch a break from the former contestants of The X Factor wanting to sue him and his company. This time another former competitor from series seven of the show, Katie Waissel takes drastic actions to sue Cowell and his company Syco.
Katie Waissel Plans to Take Legal Action Against Syco
Waissel competed on the UK version of The X Factor in 2010, and is now planning to take legal action against the show’s creator and company. She claimed that the program failed to uphold its duty of care to her and the other candidates.
Among her many claims, was that she was unable to leave the residence she was residing in throughout the live performances. She revealed that she had very little sleep and that she has subsequently sought and counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to that, Waissel claimed that she was the target of an acid attack. As well as death threats after being shown as a hate figure on the show.
“There are so many of us who have been so trapped and it’s not fair. There was a huge imbalance in power,” Waissel said. “I am pursuing a civil case of personal injury under negligence, which pertains to duty of care.”
Willing to take drastic measures to ensure a court judge will go through her civil case, Waissel has since earned a postgraduate degree to qualify and become a lawyer. The degree gives Waissel a better chance to persuade the judge of her case’s validity. There is a three-year statute of limitations in this type of action.
Waissel Claimed She Was Only Paid £1 for Appearing in the Live Shows
According to the singer, the show practiced “manipulation at its finest,” when they contractually gave her £1 or about $1.54 for appearing in the live shows. Waissel made it all the way to the Quarter Finals of The X Factor. Unfortunately, contestants were not classified as employees, hence the £1 pay.
“I was [contractually] given £1 in exchange for appearing on the live shows section of the program. That structure is manipulation and coercion at its finest,” Waissel said. “Company A says, this is the biggest opportunity of your life and without it, you would be nothing. That is the absolute pinnacle of where it’s all gone wrong.”
Waissel’s claims were not without merit however, as a documentary detailing allegations of bullying, harassment, and exploitation that occurred during the show’s production is reportedly in the works. The X Factor, which had its first season in 2004, hasn’t been televised since 2019. The ITV network has said they don’t have any intentions to bring the singing competition back.
Greed ridden society. Ptsd,my god what a bunch of snowflakes. Would she sue if she had won?People.are so full of me me me its sickning. I hate the use of ‘mental illness’ being used so casually these days.
If I typed how I really feel I’d be banned for life.
Cry me a river. Get over yourself. You signed up for it. No one forced you. You could have walked out at any time. I’m sure you weren’t held hostage
here we are 2023 I think it’s over 3 years now so you feel your entitled you didn’t win now you want money your wrong and no judge will hear this case And to use mental illness is so wrong
She was on in 2010,13 years ago and NOW she’s suing? Also article said there was a 3 year statue of limitations
Suing Simon Cowell is not a good success path. If your talents got you to to a place where you could perform before a world audience you made a big step forward. If you did not win you should not sue the person that gave you the opportunity. You should practice, improve your skills and try again. Don’t be a cry baby. Know body likes a cry baby.
Give me a fucking break. They keep people sequestered ALL THE TIME on shows where people can get voted off and shit so it doesn’t get out before the show airs… this isnt anything new YOU know damn well what you signed up for . Youre just mad because you’re full of yourself and thought you shoulda won.
Have fun wasting your time and money on someting you wont win
Can’t make it on your own. So sue for money. Who cares do you care about me no you don’t. So who cares. They just want to sue for money but wait till Simon lawyer get on this. I imagine that they do tell the contestants what they have to do and can’t do.
Hey
it’s so sad to see people here ripping at her for what they believe are financial reasons: reread her statement. it’s not about winning or fame, but rather the intense observation and regimen they had to follow as CONTESTANTS who were only given a DOLLAR for all their time. If we were to be involved in a competition, we would have the ability to go home at the end of the day, eat what we want, see the people we want, etc. She’s claiming that this company took control of all of that and that in itself is abusive. We… Read more »