Boris Becker gets involved in 'X Factor' bullying row


October 24, 2011

When X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos accused contestant Misha B of bullying at the weekend, debate raged on Twitter.And it wasn't just members of the general public who got involved.

Boris Becker was one of several celebrity X Factor  fans making their feelings known. "Misha B is by far the best !!! Don't understand judge Tulisa at all !!!" wrote the tennis player and music fan – pictured below with Elton John. Tamara Ecclestone also showed her displeasure over Tulisa bringing up the issue on the live show. "I don't think it was right to go into what happens or doesn't happen backstage. What about you?" she tweeted. TV presenter Emma Forbes disagreed, however. "Loving Tulisa for speaking out to Misha B – very important bit of advice," she said. 

It was after Misha had delivered an impressive rendition of Prince classic Purple Rain on Sunday night when Tulisa spoke out. "I do have one negative this week. I think you are very competitive and I’ve seen a different side of you backstage," she said. "In some ways you being so feisty can come across as quite mean to certain contestants and I’ve been told by a few this week there's been a few mean comments towards them. "I'm not putting you down but take that feistiness and energy when you get on the stage and leave them all behind. Put aside the attitude."

Gary Barlow tried to bring the focus back on Misha's performance, saying: "I don't care what happens backstage and we shouldn't be getting involved in that." The 19-year-old singer's mentor Kelly Rowland was quick to defend her. "We leave things backstage, backstage, but you brought it on stage and you brought it clean and clear and on fire tonight. "I am so very proud of you, continue to work hard and you’re supposed to be confident when you go on stage." 

She then turned to Tulisa and Louis Walsh and said: "I think some of your categories should get some more confidence." Louis responded: "One of my contestants has complained about Misha bullying her backstage." He didn't say whether it was Kitty Brucknell or Sami Brookes who had made the accusation, however. 

Misha was visibly upset as the judges argued.Afterwards, on spin off show The Xtra Factor, she said: "Tulisa hurt my feelings because there are two sides to every story."

Vote for your favourite 'X Factor' outfit of week threeTulisa vs Kelly: Who's got the 'X Factor' when it comes to fashion?

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