Simon Cowell cancels X Factor Israel appearance for ‘his own reasons’

Simon Cowell has cancelled his appearance as a judge on Israel’s version of the X Factor.

The music mogul had signed a deal to appear on the upcoming season of the music reality show this summer, Variety reports.

A spokesperson for X Factor Israel producers Reshet said the judge was cancelling for ‘his own reasons’. It is not clear whether Cowell will play any part on the series behind the scenes.

It comes after a Reshet representative said that members of Cowell’s staff had reached out with ‘legitimate concerns’ over his involvement on the show after the recent violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

This year’s show will see the winner selected as Israel’s entry for the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy.

The 61-year-old, who is currently appearing as a judge on America’s Got Talent, had originally been due to appear on the judging panel alongside 2018’s Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai, as well as Israeli singers Aviv Geffen, Ran Danker, Miri Mesika and Margalit Tzanani.

Israel’s version of the show has been running since 2013, while the original version has been running since 2004.

It comes after a number of The X Factor stars have spoken out about the UK version of the show.

Rebecca Ferguson, who competed on the show in 2010, has campaigned for better protection of the welfare of reality stars and artists in the music industry, following her experience on The X Factor.

Rebecca also spoke out in support of fellow former contestant Katie Waissel, who appeared on the show in 2010, after she alleged she was sexually assaulted by a member of The X Factor team.

In addition, Chico Slimani, Lloyd Daniels, Rebecca Ferguson, Jedward, Jahmene Douglas and Cher Lloyd have all spoken out unfavourably about their personal experiences on the programme.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Cowell’s representatives for comment.

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