Simon Cowell Admits The X Factor Sometimes Crosses The Line

Simon Cowell has admitted that the X Factor sometimes crosses the line in how it deals with the treatment of some of its 'mentally unstable contestants'.

Cowell has spoken out after the talent show was recently criticised for exploiting a number of contestants and fragile contestants. 

"Nothing is ever done too maliciously. I know sometimes we cross the line. We've had people who've come on and within five seconds we've said, 'Don't even go there. Too fragile,'' Cowell told The Guardian.

''I learned that with Susan Boyle. I remember the day after she came second and had that awful meltdown and I genuinely thought, 'Maybe we have failed here. Maybe we shouldn't be doing this.' But she wasn't a happy person."

Cowell added: ''I understand the influence we have. I'm also trying to think of it as an entertainment show.''

Lily Allen and a number of other celebrities blasted the X Factor exploiting such contestants as Ceri Rees.