Natalia Kills and Willy Moon apologise to 'bullied' X Factor New Zealand singer

Natalia Kills and Willy Moon have reached out to "bullied' X Factor New Zealand contestant Joe Irvine.

The husband and wife duo were sacked from the programme after making disparaging comments about contestant Irvine on Sunday (March 15).

Kills accused the singer of copying her husband, adding: "I'm embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to dignify that with an opinion."

The pair have now issued statements via their own Twitter accounts, with Kills writing:

"A lot goes on behind the scenes of a reality TV show and you see isn't always the whole story. The show brought me on to bring my passion, dramatic expression and perspective. I was encouraged to be outspoken and things got out of hand.

"Joe, I hope you can forgive me and I wish you all the best! Be natural, unconventional and be you!"

Moon added that he wishes Irvine "all the best" and that he "never intended to single anyone out".

Watch the incident below: