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X-Factor contestant slammed for comparing Olly Murs blunder to HIV diagnosis

Joseph McCormick November 16, 2015
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A former contestant on the X-Factor on Sunday made a “joke” which went down like a lead balloon, comparing HIV to a mistake made on the show.

During the show on Sunday evening, presenter Olly Murs accidentally let slip that Monica Michael would be leaving the competition ahead of schedule.


Steve Brookstein, who won the competition in 2004, tweeted, comparing the blunder to a doctor telling a patient that they are HIV positive.


He has since appears to be having a Twitter meltdown, but has adamantly defended the tweet as a “light hearted joke”.

“It was a light hearted joke at Olly’s expense… Not at those with HIV. Anyone who understands construct gets that.”

On Monday Morning, Brookstein was still tweeting, and appeared to suggest that anyone living with HIV who was offended, was “touchy” or “stupid”.

The former contestant then went on to make the same joke, but replaced HIV with diabetes, and genital warts.

He wrote: “My joke with diabetes got 3 complaints. My joke with HIV got around 100 complaints and my genital warts one got ZERO complaints. #touchy”


In a later tweet, he said: “Brilliant. A joke “about” HIV. or is it? Let the stupid people decide. Thanks.”

Brookstine later tweeted comparing his humour to that of cartoon shows American Dad and Family Guy, suggesting those offended should not watch them.


He spent some time responding to critics, and retweeting a few supporters, however a majority who responded did so out of being offended.

Meanwhile, despite an apology from Murs, there were still calls for him to be sacked by Simon Cowell.


He tweeted: “I apologise to everyone tonight I made a massive f% up at the end. It was so tense!! I’m still learning & hope that never happens again!”

Related topics: Olly Murs, Simon Cowell, X Factor

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