X Factor New Zealand judges Natalia Kills and her husband Willy Moon apologised on social media - but hinted that TV bosses had encouraged them to stir things up on the show.

Though initially she didn't back down for her 'passionate opinions' following the scandal - even linking her sassy music video Problem in a tweet - the 28 year old Brit singer finally saw sense and made a public apology. She tweeted "At last! I am relieved that I'm finally able to break the silence... xoxo" before issuing a statement that said: "A lot goes on behind the scenes of a reality TV show and you see isn't always the whole story.' 'The show brought me on to bring my passion, dramatic expression and perspective. I was encouraged to be outspoken and things got out of hand." She then gave a heartfelt apology to Joe Irvine, the contestant she humiliated, saying: "'I hope you can forgive me and I wish you all the best! Be natural, unconventional and be you!"

New Zealand artist Willy Moon,25, issued a similar statement to his wife.

The pair were sacked immediately after the show aired, and have faced a barrage of criticism on social media for their behaviour on Sunday night's episode. They packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles on Tuesday night after being booted from the show for their behaviour - presumably to escape the widespread public outrage in New Zealand. They have faced a barrage of criticism on social media over the X Factor bullying row. Though initially she didn't back down for her 'passionate opinions' following the scandal - even linking her sassy music video Problem in a tweet - the 28 year old Brit singer finally saw sense and made a public apology. She tweeted "At last! I am relieved that I'm finally able to break the silence... xoxo" before issuing a statement that said: "A lot goes on behind the scenes of a reality TV show and you see isn't always the whole story.' 'The show brought me on to bring my passion, dramatic expression and perspective. I was encouraged to be outspoken and things got out of hand." She then gave a heartfelt apology to Joe Irvine, the contestant she humiliated, saying: "'I hope you can forgive me and I wish you all the best! Be natural, unconventional and be you!"

New Zealand artist Willy Moon,25, issued a similar statement to his wife.

The pair were sacked immediately after the show aired, and have faced a barrage of criticism on social media for their behaviour on Sunday night's episode. They packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles on Tuesday night after being booted from the show for their behaviour - presumably to escape the widespread public outrage in New Zealand. They have faced a barrage of criticism on social media over the X Factor bullying row. During the episode Joe Irvine, 25, had just covered Michael Buble's version of Cry Me a River whilst donning a suit and tie and gelled back hair - a performance that he admitted wasn't his best. British-born popstar Natalia, 28, began accusing contestant Joe Irvine of copying the fashion sense of husband and fellow judge Moon. She shouted over boos: "I'm embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to dignify that with an opinion. You make me sick. You have no identity." She also said he had copied Moon "from the hair to the suit," asking him: "Do you not have any value or respect for originality?" before describing him as "creepy", "cheesy" and "disgusting". Willy joined in with his wife, comparing the contestant to a serial killer who looks like he would stitch the skin of his victims to his face. He said: "It's like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing." The pair have been blasted by X Factor UK judge Louis Walsh, who says Kills will 'never work again,' and their former co-star on the show Melanie Blatt - who called Kills a 't***' on Instagram. ​Whether The Man had genuinely instructed them to stay silent following the furore or not, their seeming lack of remorse in the days after the incident may have done their careers lasting damage. Though initially she didn't back down for her 'passionate opinions' following the scandal - even linking her sassy music video Problem in a tweet - the 28 year old Brit singer finally saw sense and made a public apology. She tweeted "At last! I am relieved that I'm finally able to break the silence... xoxo" before issuing a statement that said: "A lot goes on behind the scenes of a reality TV show and you see isn't always the whole story.' 'The show brought me on to bring my passion, dramatic expression and perspective. I was encouraged to be outspoken and things got out of hand." She then gave a heartfelt apology to Joe Irvine, the contestant she humiliated, saying: "'I hope you can forgive me and I wish you all the best! Be natural, unconventional and be you!"

New Zealand artist Willy Moon,25, issued a similar statement to his wife.

The pair were sacked immediately after the show aired, and have faced a barrage of criticism on social media for their behaviour on Sunday night's episode. They packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles on Tuesday night after being booted from the show for their behaviour - presumably to escape the widespread public outrage in New Zealand. They have faced a barrage of criticism on social media over the X Factor bullying row. During the episode Joe Irvine, 25, had just covered Michael Buble's version of Cry Me a River whilst donning a suit and tie and gelled back hair - a performance that he admitted wasn't his best. British-born popstar Natalia, 28, began accusing contestant Joe Irvine of copying the fashion sense of husband and fellow judge Moon. She shouted over boos: "I'm embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to dignify that with an opinion. You make me sick. You have no identity." She also said he had copied Moon "from the hair to the suit," asking him: "Do you not have any value or respect for originality?" before describing him as "creepy", "cheesy" and "disgusting". Willy joined in with his wife, comparing the contestant to a serial killer who looks like he would stitch the skin of his victims to his face. He said: "It's like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing." The pair have been blasted by X Factor UK judge Louis Walsh, who says Kills will 'never work again,' and their former co-star on the show Melanie Blatt - who called Kills a 't***' on Instagram. ​Whether The Man had genuinely instructed them to stay silent following the furore or not, their seeming lack of remorse in the days after the incident may have done their careers lasting damage. During the episode Joe Irvine, 25, had just covered Michael Buble's version of Cry Me a River whilst donning a suit and tie and gelled back hair - a performance that he admitted wasn't his best. British-born popstar Natalia, 28, began accusing the contestant of copying the fashion sense of husband and fellow judge Moon. She shouted over boos: "I'm embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to dignify that with an opinion. You make me sick. You have no identity." She also said he had copied Moon "from the hair to the suit," asking him: "Do you not have any value or respect for originality?" before describing him as "creepy", "cheesy" and "disgusting". Willy joined in with his wife, comparing the contestant to a serial killer who looks like he would stitch the skin of his victims to his face. He said: "It's like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing." The pair have been blasted by X Factor UK judge Louis Walsh, who says Kills will 'never work again,' and their former co-star on the show Melanie Blatt - who called Kills a 't***' on Instagram. ​Whether 'The Man' had genuinely instructed them to stay silent following the furore or not, their seeming lack of remorse in the days after the incident may have done their careers lasting damage.