A FORMER X Factor singer has claimed contestants were “pawns in their game” ahead of a planned £1million-plus lawsuit.
The unnamed performer said they have been “suffering for years” as a result and was “thrown into the world with very little after care”.
Former X Factor contestants plan to sue Simon Cowell’s SyCo company
Former contestants say they experienced bullying on The X Factor
They are among five solo acts and one group who want to sue Simon Cowell’s entertainment firm SyCo, claiming the ITV show led to bullying, mistreatment and neglect.
The claimant told the Sunday Mirror: “It’s very easy for the public to see us with make-up, beautiful clothes and dry ice floating around.
“But just moments before stepping on stage many contestants were sleep deprived, in tears and suffering trauma.
“Lots of contestants are from underprivileged backgrounds so getting on the show was like a winning lottery ticket.
“You’re sold the dream, but once you’re off the show, you’re thrown into the world with very little after care.
“Your mental wellbeing was of no one’s interest. We were just pawns in their game.
“When I entered the show I was confident, ambitious and charismatic. Now I am extremely untrusting, emotional, nervous and full of anxiety.”
They said they have evidence including emails, recordings and psychological assessments that allegedly show they were mistreated.
And they added it will be a £1million-plus case, insisting: “It’s about justice, being compensated for time and money we’ve spent with medical professionals trying to live normal lives again.”
It is thought their lawyers believe they have a good case and plan to bring the claim in the coming months. It could end up with dozens more claimants joining forces, a source suggested.
The contestant added: “Being on the show was a horrific experience. We’ve been suffering for years as a result. It’s awful.
“Myself and five former acts have agreed to join forces and get the justice we feel we deserve.
“Simon needs to take responsibility. We lost a lot of money from having periods of our lives not making money to deal with trauma still ingrained from the show.
An X Factor spokesman said: “Welfare of those taking part is our No1 priority and we have robust measures and welfare teams in place to ensure support is always available.
“We are unaware of any legal claims being filed against The X Factor and despite not being on air for several years, we remain open to discuss concerns with anyone who chooses to do so.”
SyCo Entertainment asked the Mirror to make clear there is no allegation Cowell, 62, was in any way aware of, or personally involved in, the incidents or behaviour alleged by the group.
Jedward twins John and Edward Grimes, 30, previously claimed: “Every contestant was a slave to the show and got paid zero while they made millions.
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Singer Cher Lloyd, who competed when she was 16, said she felt exploited.
And five ex-contestants including Katie Waissel planned to bring similar action, it was revealed six months ago.
