X Factor contestant pulls out of show after video shows her ‘happy slapping’
Kayleigh:
November 2nd, 2007
Emily Nakanda has resigned from the X Factor after footage on the popular website YouTube emerged showing her beating up another teenage girl in a ‘happy slapping video.’
The news was announced on the official X Factor website this morning, after fifteen-year-old Emily was seen to be punching and swinging the girl round by her hair whilst her friend recorded the attack on her mobile phone. Not only this, but she was also shown in another video with a 6-inch knife threatening to cut out a boy’s eyes. In the video she says,
“I will cut your eyes out! Yeah! Cut you! We’re gonna cut you!”
Her mother, Louise Friberg, is said to be horrified by the videos and told press:
“As a family we are heartbroken and are very disappointed with Emily’s behaviour, we feel that there is no choice but to withdraw Emily from the competition. Emily and all the family sincerely apologise to both Anna, her school and all the fans that have supported Emily. Emily regrets her actions but there is no way, as a family, we can excuse her behaviour. Emily is very sorry to have let the show, Sharon and the viewers down.”
Emily is the youngest contestant to have ever appeared on the X Factor and was very proud to represent her age group. However, after the stories of the videos had emerged in the tabloids she thought it best to quit the show.
Sharon Osbourne, one of the judges and Emily’s mentor on the show, told the press:
“I am deeply saddened by this whole situation.”
The videos have now been taken off YouTube.