Viewers of the X Factor have been branded racist because they never vote for the best black singers, a Hollywood star has claimed.
Irish actor Chris O’Dowd said he was a big fan of the ITV reality show, but accused viewers of discriminating against black contestants by voting them out in round five every year.
His comments – which come after a series of X Factor contestants complained they were exposed to racist abuse after appearing on the show – prompted campaigners to call for more protection to be given to those who appear on the show.
The 34-year-old, who is known for his starring roles in hit sitcom The IT Crowd and romantic comedy Bridesmaids, told the Radio Times: ‘I’m a big X Factor fan.
Generally my favourites go out in the first few weeks and, of course, because the viewing public is so racist, all the black, strong singers go out in round five every year.’
Two of the X Factor’s past winners, Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke, are mixed race while the boyband JLS which was runner-up to Burke are black and the show has featured many black contestants.
But it has also been hit by a series of complaints that ethnic minority singers are discriminated against as they reach the later stages of the competition.
Hannah Barrett, 17, pictured with Nicole Scherzinger on X Factor last year, was one of the favourites to win but was voted off in the seventh week.
She claimed she faced a barrage of online abuse about her colour after the show
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