Emily forced off show
2 November 2007, 4:53PM
X Factor finalist, Emily Nakanda has had to leave the competition after mobile phone footage emerged showing Emily allegedly attacking a teenage girl. The footage shows the finalist involved in punching and grabbing the hair of the other girl. Following investigations into the footage, Emily decided to leave the competition immediately.
Emily's mother, Louis Friberg said: "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 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."
Previous footage had also emerged which was posted on YouTube showing Emily and a group of friends laughing at and threatening a teenager. It was also reported that one of the group was allegedly holding what appeared to be a weapon. The videos are believed to have been filmed before Emily had entered The X Factor competition and have been removed YouTube.
Emily was due to have sung 'It's Oh So Quiet' by Bjork this Saturday. Producers said that Emily's withdrawal would have no effect on the competition and that one act would still be leaving in the next live show.
Bookmakers, Ladbrokes reported it would refund all bets on Emily. A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: "We think the only fair thing to do, given the circumstances, is to void all bets on Emily regardless of the market,"
Sharon Osbourne, Emily's mentor for the 14-24 girls said she was "deeply saddened" by the situation. She now only has one act, Alisha Bennett.
|
