The series one champ, who was dropped by Simon Cowell after just one album, took to Twitter after ‘X Factor’ co-host Olly made a mistake when announcing who would be leaving the competition during the results show.
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Steve Brookstein
He tweeted: "Dr Mrs, 'Sorry you have HIV, actually no, sorry I'm wrong. You haven't. My mistake. Hold on, yes, sorry you have HIV. Sorry." #XFactor"
Followers were disgusted by his attempts at humour, and slammed the singer for his comments.
After the backlash, Steve attempted to defend himself by saying that ‘X Factor’ viewers did not get the “construct” of his “light-hearted” joke.
"Oh dear the X Factor viewers are upset. Duh! No surprise there then," he wrote.
"It was a light hearted joke at Olly's expense," he added. "Not at those with HIV. Anyone who understands construct gets that."
He then added that he should have used ebola as a substitute for HIV in his tweet, before going on to make the same jibe using diabetes and genital warts instead.
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Olly Murs made a massive error during Sunday night's 'X Factor'
Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)