Anton Stephans says Nick Grimshaw is 'ugly' and just a DJ with famous friends following X Factor spat

The singer was forced to defend himself against Grimshaw's comments on Saturday night's show
Not happy: Anton Stephans was angered by Nick Grimshaw's comments
Ken McKay/ITV/Rex
Emma Powell23 November 2015

X Factor reject Anton Stephans has hit out at Nick Grimshaw after he criticised the singer for not being “aunthentic”.

Anton sang Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men's One Sweet Day, but Grimshaw was left unimpressed and said the hopeful’s performance felt “like an act”.

Speaking to Yahoo, he said: “That was actually very challenging for me, my first thought was ‘how dare you?’.

“I’m not going to allow anyone to do that, especially someone who… The other judges have experience with performing or at least nurturing and bringing us worldwide popstars, they don’t just play music on the radio and have famous friends.

“I think to talk about it is one thing but to do it is another, so if you’re going to talk about me standing on stage and doing something not real then why don’t you stand on stage.”

X Factor Judges 2015

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He continued: “Everything about me is absolutely authentic and real, so I took offence by that. I think he’s a lovely man but I’m not going to allow him to do that.”

The pair haven't spoken since the altercation but Grimshaw referenced it during his BBC Radio One Breakfast Show this morning.

Grimshaw told listeners: “I don’t know what [Anton’s] problem is, I don’t know why he’s trying to create fake beef because, are you above criticism?

“Guess what, when you queue up for the X Factor you’re asking to be judged, so I gave a comment which was constructive criticism and he didn’t like it. I didn’t even shut him down, I said it felt like an act, that performance.”

Speaking about the DJ's comments, Anton said: “I think it was a bit sad that he couldn’t move on this morning on his radio show but never mind.

“Having an opinion doesn’t mean you have to hurt people, it doesn’t mean that you have to assassinate people’s characters. You don’t have to be ugly.”

Anton was sent home after a sing-off with Che Chesterman. Mason Noise was also eliminated from the competition after a 10 minute flash vote on Saturday night.

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