Dermot O’Leary, who hosted The X Factor during Liam Payne’s time on the show, has spoken out regarding claims of mistreatment on the program following the singer’s tragic death.
In a recent interview, O’Leary addressed the criticisms leveled against The X Factor by some former contestants, particularly in the wake of Liam Payne’s passing. While acknowledging that the “culture is different” now and the show would likely be made differently if it aired today, he appeared to defend the overall experience for the majority of participants.
O’Leary stated that while he couldn’t speak for everyone’s individual experiences, his own perspective was that “most of the people we had on were treated really well.” He suggested that many of the negative accounts focused on what happened after contestants left the show and the intense “bubble” of the competition.
He also reflected on Liam Payne, describing him as “both wise and sort of a young soul at the same time.” O’Leary emphasized the importance of “duty of care” in such shows and in the wider music industry, a conversation that has been amplified following Payne’s death. He noted that while he believed duty of care was taken seriously during his time on The X Factor, it would undoubtedly be handled even more thoroughly in the current climate.
O’Leary’s comments come after some former X Factor contestants, including friends of Liam Payne, spoke out about the alleged lack of aftercare and support provided by the show, suggesting it contributed to the struggles faced by young artists thrust into the spotlight.
While O’Leary acknowledged the evolving cultural landscape of reality television and the need for robust support systems, his statements largely emphasized the positive experiences of most contestants during their time on The X Factor, shifting the focus towards the challenges faced by artists after their initial exposure on the show.