The X Factor star Lloyd Daniels felt pressured to hide his same-sex relationship while a contestant on the show in 2009.
The Welshman, 28, opened up about his feelings during an Instagram Live in 2020 which has now resurfaced, saying he didn’t feel he could be open about dating a man.
Singer Lloyd is the latest of a number of former contestants who have spoken about how they felt they were treated while competing in the singing contest.
He said: ‘I met someone on the show and we really clicked. I’d never had that emotion towards guys. I knew it was more than a friendship and it slowly unfolded. I ended up being with them for over a year.
‘It was odd to accept it because I was going through a huge change in my life joining the music industry, I thought, “Am I going mad?” I felt off colour.
‘The hardest part about it was not being able to talk about it.
‘I won’t say I was under oath, but to some extent I couldn’t talk about it because of my status.
‘I had to aim my marketing towards teenage girls, that was what was going to sell the whole “Lloyd Daniels, X Factor self.”
‘I felt really suppressed, like I wasn’t being my true self. It was really, really hard. I totally get that’s how the music industry works.
‘It’s different now to how it was 10 years ago.’
A spokesperson for The X Factor told Metro.co.uk: ‘Duty of care to our contestants is of the utmost importance to us. We take welfare very seriously and have measures in place to ensure that they are supported.’
Fellow former contestant Jahmene Douglas, 30, who finished in second place in 2012, claimed music bosses ‘closed doors’ to make room for others in spite of talent.
This week it was reported in The Sun that some contestants faced ‘abuse’ during their time on the programme with singers Cher Lloyd, 27, Rebecca Ferguson, 34, and Irish twins Jedward, 29, allegedly witnessing exploitative behaviour, with a source saying ‘momentum is gathering’ and others are ‘finding confidence to tell their stories’.
A source said: ‘There have long been rumours swirling about things involving NDAs and legal threats, but suddenly a few well-known faces are speaking out at once.
‘It has given others the confidence to think about telling their stories too, and the momentum is gathering.
‘Some of those who feel they were exploited and allege they were abused are extremely well known, but always feared speaking out could end their careers. That seems to be changing.’
Rebecca has called for a parliamentary enquiry into the music industry and greater regulation to protect artists from ‘bullying’ agents and managers.
Backing Rebecca up on Twitter, Jahmene wrote: ‘This hits home for me. People assume you’ve just given up or couldn’t make it, when really certain people in the industry are actively and intentionally holding you back, closing doors and basically telling you NO at every turn; Regardless of talent or success.
‘It’s soul destroying.’
Cher, who finished fourth in the 2010 series of The X Factor, claimed she was ‘sold a dream’ before being exploited.
The former solo star made the claims in a TikTok video during a virtual duet, singing: ‘How could I be so naïve? They sold me the dream to exploit me.
‘Said darling, darling you’ll go so far if you shake that a**e and date a star. And if the record’s taking off we’ll take the money.’
In an interview last year Cher claimed she’d been ‘thrown to the wolves’ and was subjected to racism, abuse and death threats.
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : T.I. and Gabrielle Union lead tributes to iconic rapper DMX after Hip-Hop legend dies following heart attack
MORE : Channing Tatum to help men become real-life Magic Mikes in new HBO series
