Simon Cowell has responded to an online petition which called on scenes involving The X Factor contestants with dolphins to be scrapped. A preview for next weekend's Xtra Factor episodes, filmed at Judges' Houses, showed the final six boys attending a dolphin show, as well as swimming with the animals.
The online petition was signed over 7,000 times, as fans called on Simon to take action, with its creator Donna Iliffe-Pollard explaining that she hoped "to appeal to Simon Cowell's animal loving nature, encouraging him into reconsidering putting this segment in next weekends show." Having become aware of the petition, Simon tonight tweeted: "Reading your tweets. I had no idea Xtra Factor producers filmed with dolphins. This will NOT be showed on Saturday. I think you all know my view on cruelty to animals so thank you all for your concern."
A spokesperson for PETA (a chairity Simon supports) said 'It comes as no surprise to us at PETA that as soon as Simon learned that next weekend’s episode of Xtra Factor was planning to air footage of the six final boy contestants attending a dolphin show and swimming with the animals, the outspoken celebrity took a stand,'
Photos of judges and contestants on our X Factor Judges Houses page.
X Factor continues this weekend with the Judges Houses. Friday 9pm, Sat & Sun 8pm.
