The X Factor has denied claims that contestants are discriminated based upon their age after complaints. Claude Walters, 75, hit out at The X Factor claiming he was rejected from the show because of his age. The grandfather of eighteen missed out in the competition last year because he got laryngitis while queuing in the rain.
Mr Walters told Southwark News, “I can’t help being an old man with a young voice.” He is now calling on the show’s producers to change its ‘discrimination policy’ and insists he has a voice that people want to listen to.
“If they are going to use age against people, then they should stipulate an age limit and stop wasting people’s time.
“I got through the first audition at the O2 like I did last year and the judges were really impressed. I was getting hugs and ‘high fives’ off the people in the winners’ enclosure. People were saying: ‘This guy can go far in the competition’ when they heard me. I then made it to the Emirates and after a first round, I sang in front of two more judges
“The judges were talking amongst themselves,” he continued, “They left me waiting for 20-30 minutes, before saying: ‘Sorry, it’s a no.’ When I asked what was wrong with my voice they just said: ‘There is a lot of young talent out there. Sorry.’”
A spokesperson for The X Factor said, “There is no age limit on applicants for The X Factor and all contestants are judged fairly on their performance and talent. We are sorry Claude was not happy with the decision but we would like to thank him for auditioning.”
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