THE X Factor's youngest competitor, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda, has pulled out of the competition ahead of tonight's show after a mobile phone video showing her beating up a teenage girl appeared on the internet.
The video shows the 15-year-old from London attacking a girl, known only as `Anna'.
A show spokeswoman said: "In response to the stories in the papers this week regarding Emily Nakanda we have conducted our own investigations and we can confirm that she has chosen to withdraw herself from the competition."
Emily's mother Louis Friberg said: "We are heartbroken and 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."
Sharon Osbourne, Emily's mentor on the show, said today: "I am deeply saddened by this whole situation."
X Factor chiefs said Emily's departure will not affect the show and one other act will still be voted off tonight.
X Factor hopeful quits
November 03, 2007
Emily Nakanda
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let this be a example that people and communities will not accept this behaviour from a civilised society.We cannot have this sort of behavior from these monsters.I wouldnt call them animals they are worse than animals.
So much for that sweet persona she tried to put on ! The girl's a thug and has no right to be on TV, no matter how good her talent. Let this be a lesson to others behaving like that.
The message is very simple here, arrest her. if she is not, what sort of messsage would it send out. As Mrs D pointed out, her so called sweet persona was complete bravado. The evidence is there for all to see and that includes the police. Bullys are nasty people.
Oldham'er, Greater Manchester (03/11/2007 at 07:44)