Simon Cowell, 63, has been the figurehead at the Britain’s Got Talent judges table since the show began, but behind-the-scenes the industry mogul is also an executive producer on the show.
This left the judge with a bit more insight into how decisions were made and reactions were dealt with in the aftermath of the now-infamous leaked transcript.
The transcript reportedly showed Simon’s fellow judge comedian David Walliams, 51, making derogatory comments about contestants once they were out of earshot.
David stepped down from the judging panel shortly after the comments were leaked and has since apologised, but now Simon has defended the comedian.
Speaking to The Mirror, Simon declared: “From where I sat, this wasn’t something, I believe, that was constant.
“Most of the time he seemed very respectful.”
Simon also noted that David’s comments are “not the ethos of the show” and “completely unacceptable” adding: “I hadn’t heard them before and it was upsetting.”
The entrepreneur also candidly noted that he had been in touch with David since the controversy died down, revealing that David “wasn’t proud” of his comments but “owned what he said”.
In deciding who should replace David, who had been on the show for a decade, Simon stepped back from his executive producing duties saying: “We did say to the two producers you have to make the final decision.
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“I am an executive producer, but they’re more hands-on. In the end, it was their decision.”
David has since also personally apologised for his remarks in a statement made late last year, declaring: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, 67, will be replacing David on the upcoming season of Britain’s Got Talent alongside returning judges Alesha Dixon, 44, and Amanda Holden, 52.
Express.co.uk has contacted ITV and David Walliams’ representatives for comment.
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