Louis Tomlinson brands X Factor 'unethical at times' and says talent shows 'could do better' by contestants

Louis Tomlinson has criticised The X Factor for not going far enough to look after its contestants, branding the talent show 'unethical at times'.

The singer, 34, famously competed on the ITV series back in 2010, where he was put into boyband One Direction - going on to skyrocket to global fame and success.

However, while he insists he is grateful for the show where he got his big break, he has reflected that the long-running programme failed to provide an adequate duty of care for the contestants.

'It’s the power of those shows – The X Factor and stuff – they are unethical at times,' Louis admitted to The Sun. 'I’m sure if we reflect on those shows, we could do better by the contestants.

'But it is also one of these things that give a lot of opportunity. Like I would never have been a singer if it wasn’t for that show. It is as simple as that.'

He is far from the only star to have voiced criticism for the show that brought them to fame, with a host of former contestants slamming the Simon Cowell-created series, which aired for 15 seasons from 2004 to 2018.

 Christopher Maloney, who finished in third place in 2012, has called out the reality show's 'lack of support' when it wrapped up.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, the singer described his decades-long battle with self harm, body dysmorphia and more recently a plastic surgery addiction.

While he insisted he has no regrets from starring on the show and had an overly positive experience, he shared his disappointment on being 'left to his own devices' when he came straight out.

He said: 'I did have a breakdown. That was probably because of the fact that when you are catapulted from being in a regular nine to five job and being catapulted into the spotlight on a show that's got 15 million viewers, you don't know what you're doing, it's mind blowing.' 

'I think for me extra support would have been nice', Christopher added. 'Like when you come off the show, you're left to your own devices. That's it. You're on your own, even though it's up to the management company. 

'There's no support and that's the probably the reason why I had the breakdown at the end.'

While Fleur East previously said she didn't feel supported after the series ended and thinks she thinks taking part should 'come with a warning' for the show's young stars about the pitfalls of fame.

The singer finished as runner-up on the eleventh series of the show in 2014 and said she felt she was 'put on a shelf' by Simon's company Syco after just one album.

Chico Slimane, who appeared in the second series of the ITV singing show back in 2005, claimed the show 'uses and abuses you' and is only interested in making 'money' from contestants.

He that the people behind the show 'don't care about you' and that artists are a 'commodity' to them.

Jedward also blasted Simon in a stunning tirade, claiming he sees himself as the 'mafia leader' of the music industry and said they regretted not telling the judges to 'f**k off' while on the ITV show.

Meanwhile, Cher Lloyd accused bosses of taking advantage of her naivety when she competed on the 2010 series aged 17, claiming she was 'sold a dream' before being exploited.

And Lloyd Daniels admitted he felt pressured to hide a same-sex relationship while competing on the show in 2009.

While the death of Louis' bandmate, Liam Payne, in October 2024 sparked more backlash towards to the show and a push for changes to the music industry to protect its stars.

Katie Waissel, who auditioned alongside Liam on the 2010 series, name-checked Simon in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on 'profits rather than people'.

In her tribute to the late star, she wrote: 'His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.

'There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people.

'This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss.' 

While Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Liam and Katie, criticised the 'exploitation and profiteering of young stars' and wrote that 'many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD'.

Daily Mail has contacted a representative for ITV and Syco for comment.

The show was presented by Kate Thornton, Dermot O'Leary, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs over the years.

Simon was joined on the judging panel with a number of famous faces including Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl, Gary Barlow and Tulisa.

Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson also joined him at some point over the years.

The show became a huge fan favourite and there have been number of huge success stories from the singing show, which saw singers audition at the start of the series to try and make it to the live shows, which aired on a Saturday night.

They include Olly Murs, Little Mix, One Direction, JLS, Leona Lewis and James Arthur.

Simon was only recently on our screens as he starred in his docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act.