'The X Factor UK' Contestant Debi Stevens Exposes Manipulation on The Show 17 Years Later
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In 2006, 18-year-old Debi Stevens auditioned for the third season of The X Factor UK. Her audition immediately went viral, but not for the reasons you might expect. Stevens was portrayed as an arrogant contestant with a bad attitude. However, in a recent three-part interview, she revealed the shocking truth about what really happened behind the scenes.
Contestant Says She Was Manipulated by The Show’s Producers
In the first part of the interview with Lady Candic’s Tell All Interview YouTube series, Stevens explained how the producers intentionally manipulated and provoked her to create an entertaining audition. She was forced to wait hours in extreme heat without air conditioning or adequate drinks. Stevens complained about the unfair conditions, which made the producers single her out.
They asked leading questions to elicit cocky responses and told her to act arrogant, claiming it was what viewers expected. Her genuine answers were later switched around and edited out of context. Most hurtfully, judge Louis Walsh attacked Stevens’ disabled mother to provoke a reaction. As Stevens recounted:
“The mention of my mother is probably why Louis Walsh… afterward when he said you’re not that good what they cut out was him turning around and saying… and this is why I lost my temper, but they cut it out that I’d only brought my fat mother in a wheelchair to gain a sympathy vote,” Stevens said.
Stevens understandably lost her temper, but producers deliberately edited the footage to villainize her.
She was devastated when the heavily manipulated audition aired. She suffered severe anxiety and trauma from the resulting cruel treatment and harassment. For years, she was regularly ridiculed and assaulted in public. Stevens developed multiple psychological disorders that she still struggles with today.
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She Regrests Appearing on The X Factor
Stevens described how The X Factor audition caused lasting damage to her mental health, career prospects, and passion for performing. She had panic attacks anytime she tried to sing on stage afterward.
Stevens said she was laughed at in job interviews when recognized from the show. She couldn’t find work in her chosen field of singing and was forced to switch careers.
Stevens regrets trusting the manipulative producers and not questioning their orders to act arrogantly. She feels The X Factor portrayed her as an “ugly monster” rather than her real self. She still can’t bring herself to watch the audition video due to trauma. Even now, trolls continue to mock and send her cruel messages about the audition.
Despite the hardship Stevens endured, she found purpose in supporting vulnerable groups. She helps make educational and professional spaces more inclusive. Stevens also discussed embracing her identity as an LGBTQ person.
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