X Factor Judge Calls Out Danyl Johnson’s Sexuality, 4,000 Complaints

X Factor judge Dannii Minogue has been the subject of almost 4,000 complaints after questioning contestant Danyl Johnson for changing “he” to “she” during his “And I’m Telling You” performance Saturday.

Minogue, referring to an interview in which Johnson said he was bisexual, commented: "If you're to believe everything you read in the papers, then you didn't need to change the gender references in the song."

The audience booed loudly at her comment and fellow judge Simon Cowell, with a look of disbelief, asked, “What did you say?”

When it came time to critique Johnson, Cowell offered Minogue some advice.

"You can forget playing any of those games with him. I'm not having that. This guy sang his heart out. Give him some credit."

Minogue apologized to Johnson and the audience the following day and again on Sunday night’s live show.

“Sorry to anyone I may have offended last night with my comments,” she said.  “They were only said with humor.  Danyl and I had been joking about it before the show and he definitely wasn’t upset with my comments.”

Cowell supported her in the apology.

“I can say this on behalf of Dannii she is the last person in the world that would ever do anything offensive.  I spoke to Danyl afterwards and he took it in the spirit it was intended.”

Johnson has also backed Minogue, posting a message on his Twitter page saying: “I'm not ashamed. Danni didn't mean any harm. We are all smiles.”