‘X Factor’ hopeful Felix Shepherd has jumped to the defence of Robbie Williams, following accusations from some viewers that he asked the auditionee an insensitive question during his first performance.
Felix appeared in Saturday night’s audition show, telling the judges he hoped to prove he was “more than just a transgender guy”.
As he discussed his transition, Robbie Williams asked Felix what name he was given at birth, which some ‘X Factor’ viewers took issue with, pointing out a trans person could be offended by having to talk about their life before they transitioned, particularly on such a public platform.
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'X Factor' hopeful Felix Shepherd
ITV
However, Felix has now insisted he was not upset by the question, revealing we didn’t actually see the whole exchange.
“I wasn’t offended by anything he said, so that’s the most important thing,” he told BANG Showbiz (via Female First). “I do feel people are entitled and would feel different ways about it.
“It wasn’t shown that he did actually ask me beforehand if it was OK, but they didn’t show that on the TV.”
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Robbie Williams at the judges' table
ITV
Going on to say he felt “indifferent” about being asked about his deadname, Felix added: “People are entitled to their own opinions about it.”
So far this series, Felix has been one of the stand-out contestants of this year’s ‘X Factor’, which has three new judges in the form of Robbie, his wife Ayda Field and former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson.
The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)