The X Factor is a show that has always come with a side helping of controversy, whether it’s Sinitta donning a fern bikini, constant accusations of vote rigging or contestants punching each other in the face. The X Factor New Zealand is the latest offshoot of the franchise to come under fire after Sunday nights live show aired, featuring married couple and judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon overstepping the mark with their scathing comments aimed at contestant Joe Irvine. Viewers complained in their thousands – a campaign that gained in excess of 70,000 signatures in under 24 hours, asking for the judging duo to be sacked, in an incident that many have deemed an outright act of bulling.


Kills didn’t hold back when it came to the judges views on Irvine’s performance – a segment that is meant to harbor constructive criticism, commenting “I am embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence, even having to dignify you with an answer of my opinion.” to which Kills’ partner Moon added, “It’s just a little bit creepy and I feel like you’re going to stitch someone’s skin to your face and kill everybody in the audience.” – how delightful. I fear that someone’s watched Psycho one too many times. The pair have subsequently been axed from the show, in a move that has gained support from viewers, television networks and celebrities alike. Take a look at the moment in question, as well as our top 10 favorite social media responses below.

    

10. One compassionate viewer took it upon himself to lend a helping hand:

.@NataliaKills @WillyMoon hey, sorry to hear you got fired. I thought I’d help you out xx #XFactorNZ #NextFactorNZ pic.twitter.com/tZNLedkwAX
— Mason (@MasonTheKiwi) March 16, 2015

9. Whilst another reflected upon the irony of the situation:

Normally 2 judges eliminate a contestant, first time a contestant has effectively eliminated 2 judges. #XFactorNZ
— Sanjay Patel (@spat106) March 16, 2015

8. Others focused on Kills’ appearance, leading us to question her integrity and originality:

As some1 who respects creative integrity & intellectual property Im disgusted @NataliaKills #xfactornz #NataliaKills pic.twitter.com/zY42zMuOrn
— Masoη Smillie (@OfficialMason) March 16, 2015

7. Oh wait, there’s more?!

“I respect creative integrity and intellectual property.” – @NataliaKills #xfactornz BYE pic.twitter.com/aag7jWlfWc
— ᴍɪʀᴏᴛɪᴄ (@jjongsbae) March 15, 2015

6. And they just kept coming…

Well this is awkward @NataliaKills #xfactornz pic.twitter.com/6bCRabymLo
— Rebecca Parlett (@Bexparlett) March 15, 2015

5. While others turned their attention to husband and fellow judge Moon:

Hey @NataliaKills – I too find it disgusting when someone steals a look. Apologise to 90’s MTV right now. #xfactornz pic.twitter.com/MEHirslaeZ
— Scott Gallagher (@ThievingBandito) March 15, 2015

4. One viewer pointed out that anyone could be next in the firing line:

Was going to wear a suit to work tomorrow, better not… #xfactornz
— Sam Focas (@samfocas) March 15, 2015

3. New Zealand television personality Ben Boyce makes a legitimate point:

Will Natalia and Willy get an emotional “lets look back at your time on the show” montage tonight? #xfactornz
— Ben Boyce (@Ben_Boyce_) March 16, 2015

2. One twitter user even brought up the recent incident involving Moon and his recent angry encounter with baked goods:

I can judge #xfactornz I don’t know anything about music & I don’t cut my own fringe, but I’m NEVER annoyed at a bakery #PuttingMyHandUp
— Urzila Carlson (@UrzilaCarlson) March 16, 2015

1. Fear not however, for Irvine has survived and with the backing of thousands of new fans, we wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to win the bloody show!

I survived the Kills! #xfactornz pic.twitter.com/4wxnvjhqGw
— joe irvine (@jooe63_joe) March 15, 2015


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