X Factor New Zealand has fired judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon after they made controversial comments about a contestant. The husband and wife duo turned heads after lambasting Joe Irvine's performance on Sunday (March 15).

Kills said she was "ashamed" to have seen the singer and accused him of copying her husband. She added: "I'm embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to dignify that with an opinion." Moon added further disparaging comments, leading viewers to voice their disgust at the pair's 'bullying'.

Producer MediaWorks have confirmed that the pair have now been removed from the show.

They said: "Last night on X Factor both Kills and Moon made comments that were completely unacceptable. While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges.

"Contestants put their all into this competition and they should expect to receive feedback and criticism that is professional and constructive. We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people to perform the role of X Factor judges and they will leave the show, effective immediately."

Kills responded on Twitter by saying: "I love you guys, thanks for your support & understanding my passionate opinions!"

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Watch Kills and Moon's X Factor tirade below: