Natalia Kills and Willy Moon Fired From ‘X Factor’ in Bullying Scandal

Natalia Kills and Willy Moon were fired from their role as judges on New Zealand's The X Factor after making overly critical remarks to a contestant.

In the video above, you can watch the husband and wife react to 25-year-old Joe Irvine's performance on Sunday night (March 15).

"Ladies and gentleman, I'm just going to state the obvious," Natalia began, adding, "We have a doppelgänger in our midst. As an artist who respects creative integrity and intellectual property, I am disgusted by how much you have copied my husband ... Do you not have any value or respect for originality? You're a laughingstock. It's cheesy. It's disgusting. I personally found it absolutely artistically atrocious. I am embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to even dignify you with an answer of her opinion."

Unfortunately, her husband's words weren't any kinder.

"To me, it just feels a little bit cheap and absurd," Willy said. "It's like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing. It's just a little bit creepy and I feel like you're going to stitch someone's skin to your face and then kill everybody in the audience."

"I'm going to say it. It's disgusting. You make me sick," Natalia added. "It's absolutely disgusting. You have no identity. I can't stand it. I'm ashamed to be here."

Joe took the harsh criticism with grace, and even garnered praise from judge Melanie Blatt.

"Do you know what, Joe?" Melanie said. "I don't think that many people have believed in you in your life, but I'll tell you right now: I believe in you. You have got what it takes. You've got a beautiful tone."

MediaWorks’ chief executive Mark Weldon released a statement on Monday, announcing that Natalia and Willy were no longer a part of the show (quote via the Guardian), "While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges. Contestants put their all into this competition and they should expect to receive feedback and criticism that is professional and constructive. We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people to perform the role of X Factor judges and they will leave the show, effective immediately.”

Sunday night, TV3 addressed the matter on Facebook, writing, "Following tonight’s episode of The X Factor NZ we received a huge amount of feedback about comments made by our judges. The nature of live television can be unpredictable and we appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinion. TV3 does not condone bullying and are currently on-site with Joe who is doing well."

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