X Factor's Nile responds to claims he snubbed Cheryl

From Digital Spy

Cheryl made her music comeback on The X Factor last weekend, but just because Nile Rodgers was the first judge to sit down after her performance, that doesn't mean he was snubbing her.

The legendary music producer, who was sitting in for the absent Robbie Williams on the judging panel, is clearing up claims that he was showing Cheryl disrespect – and he even has picture proof.

"I know it must be fun to somebody in a very juvenile way to make up stories and get peoples dander up," he posted on Twitter.

"But don't do it on a story where someone can check the video. I just "happened" to be the 1st to sit after Cheryl's @TheXFactor performance. That's not snubbing. DUH."

Nile added in a later tweet: "So I get to the lounge, open my powerbook and it says: @Xfactor fans are "convinced" that I snubbed Cheryl.

"With this pic on left as proof. Pic on right was me before I just happened to sit down. I'd never snub ANYBODY. It's not my nature. Really folks? This is what we've come to."

The good news is that Nile won't have to worry about these "juvenile" stories any longer, as Robbie is scheduled to return to the show this coming weekend. (Although he's got some making-up to do with X Factor fans.)

And although Nile clearly had no problem with Cheryl's performance, it was widely panned in the tabloids for being awkward and raunchy, while 15 complaints were made to Ofcom.

But Cheryl has since hit back at the "relentless abuse" she's received over the past few days, declaring: "I did watch my performance back and I LOVED IT!"

The X Factor continues on Saturday (November 24) at 8pm on ITV.

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