Dannii Minogue X Factor Row: Fans in Uproar over Comment to Danyl Johnson

Viewers of the reality TV series the X Factor have called for judge Danni Minogue to be sacked from the show after she appeared to question a contestant's sexuality live on air.

Danyl Johnson Sings Diva Song

The row errupted after the the first of the live finals was screened on UK television on Saturday evening. As the show drew to a close finalist Danyl Johnson, a 27-year-old teacher from Reading, took to the stage and performed the Jennifer Hudson number And I Am Telling You, a choice that had been billed on the show's official website as a "huge diva song".While the audience clearly enjoyed the performance by the young hopeful, who had impressed legendary sceptic Simon Cowell greatly during his first audition, they were left stunned when Ms Minogue appeared to digress from Danyl's performance to pose a question about his sexuality.

Dannii Minogue X Factor Comment

Speaking directly to Danyl as he awaited feedback from the panel, Ms Minogue commented: "If the reports in the paper are anything to go by maybe you didn't need to change the gender reference in the song." A shocked Simon Cowell turned to the 37-year-old Australian singer and said "What?" seemingly stunned by her outburst, but Ms Minogue simply went on and repeated her comment.

Danyl Johnson "Not Ashamed"

While obviously shocked at Dannii's choice of comment, Danyl kept his composure and appeared to reply "I'm not ashamed" a comment that was lost in the sound of the crowd as the singer did not raise his microphone to his mouth. However, Danyl looked emotional the audience roared their support for him in the wake of the exchange.

Simon Cowell Angered by Comments

The singer was saved from any further interrogation by Ms Minogue by panel member Cheryle Cole who quickly jumped in to steer the conversation back to the music and Danyl's performance while the audience cheered their support for the obviously upset contestant. But X Factor creator and over 25's mentor Simon Cowell was not willing to let the incident drop was obviously angered by the comment and turned on Ms Minogue saying: "You can forget playing any of those games with him. I'm not having that"

Dannii Minogue "Out of Order"

Within moments of the show fans had flooded the X factor website with comments calling for disciplinary action to be taken against Ms Minogue, while, on social networking sites viewers slammed the comments and questioned Ms Minogue's motivation in making them. Some fans posting on Facebook referred to the comment as a "cheap shot" and added that the judge has been "bang out of order" in raising the subject. While others stood up for the sister of gay icon pop singer Kylie Minogue claiming she had not intended offense and was simply meaning to highlight the ridiculous nature of the press frenzy surrounding the X Factor and its contestants.

X Factor Apology?

But within minutes of the show airing Ms Minogue's entry on the online reference site Wikipedia had been sabotaged by angry viewers and fans were mobilising to complain en-masse to the television watchdog OfCom. While some have demanded Ms Minogue's resignation others are simply hoping for a live apology on Sunday night's live results show.

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Oct 10, 2009 6:19 PM

Guest :

The world has finally gone mad. Dannii was not bullying or being homophobic to Danyl. She made a light hearted joke that has been totally blown out of all proportions. Dannii is a gay and lesbian activist, an abassador for the THT and the majority of the fan base are gay. All this fuss is ridiculous.

Oct 11, 2009 2:48 AM

Guest :

danni went to far last nite she humiliated poor danyl in front of millions of viewers 4 absolutly no reason he was left standing on stage looking mortified the judges ar ther to comment on the singing talent not about the cotestants private business i hope simon puts her in her place

Oct 11, 2009 2:55 AM

Guest :

Some people have gone to extremes with this, saying what she said was homophobic, and others saying leave her alone and that this is being blown out of proportion. I don't think her comments homophobic and it doesn’t seem like she was trying to be malicious.
However, X Factor is a family show, and Danyl is a teacher whose students and their parents had no doubt tuned in to watch his performance. The subject of his sexuality should not be up for discussion at that time and it was just so very strange that she thought to do that, it was totally irrelevant in that moment. Dannii\'s excuse on her twitter page is that she was just commenting on the interview he himself gave in a newspaper saying he is bisexual - but so what? does that mean it can be brought up now in the middle of a family show??

Oct 11, 2009 2:55 AM

Guest :

Oct 11, 2009 5:47 AM

Guest :

Whether the Ms Minogue meant her comments as a joke or not are irrelevant. She is being paid to comment on singing talent - not a persons sexuality.

Also, a joke is supposed to be funny however, Danyl, the butt of her "joke" was clearly very upset. She deserves to squirm live on t.v. tonight just as he had too last night.Poor guy.

Oct 14, 2009 6:16 AM

Guest :

Completely agree, this is a family show that is repeated every 5 mins on ITV2. Young children watch this show and Danni's comments were completely inappropriate on a LIVE show.

When Ron Atkinson made derogratory remarks about Marcel Desailly "live" on air, his media career was finished. Danni may as well have called him a ***t as for the damage she has done.

Oct 15, 2009 7:05 PM

Guest :

This is ridculous. i strongly believe that the reaction to her comments were way over the top. In regards to the public scrutiny that dannii is receiving for apparently being a homophobe, um lets see, her sister has to be one of the biggest fag hags around. the mass of her audience are gays. i mean this whole thing could of been a publicity stunt to gain ratings, as ultimately thats what its all about for that industry. poeple seriosuly need to stop feeding off this stuff, and throwing criticism where its irrelevant. and really. i admire dannii for making that comment, as there was an underlying message in which she was trying to portray there. i just dont think people can see it.