Cowell denies shootings 'slur'

Updated 15.42 Thu Apr 19 2007

Keywords: Virginia, American Idol, Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell has caused outrage in the US by appearing to roll his eyes at an American Idol hopeful who dedicated a song to the victims of the Virginia shootings.

Contestant Chris Richardson - who hails from Virginia - followed his performance with a comment about the 32 people killed at Virginia Tech by student Cho Seung Hui.

"I would never, ever, ever disrespect those families or those victims. And I felt it was important to set the record straight" - Simon Cowell

He said: "My hearts and prayers go out to Virginia Tech. I have a lot of friends over there, be strong."

The camera then caught Cowell's nonplussed expression and showed him tapping his hand once in apparent impatience. However Simon later insisted that it was Richardson's performance that caused the reaction, not the tragedy.

He explained: "I was saying to Paula, 'What does he mean, he sang nasally on purpose? I didn't understand what he was saying.' So I hadn't even heard what he did. Then my eye rolled, given what I was saying to Paula.

"I may not be the nicest person in the world, but I would never, ever, ever disrespect those families or those victims. And I felt it was important to set the record straight."

Cowell earlier said he supported Richardson's comments.