X Factor contestant Rylan Clark responded to people who send him hate messages on Twitter.

Clark has divided opinion with his performances on the reality show, but it seems he has been receiving hurtful messages about his sexuality.

In a series of messages on Twitter, the singer said that the abuse he is receiving is "disgraceful", with the star suggesting that he might be leaving the social networking website as a result. He said:

"Don't think people understand some of the stuff that I get sent day in and day out. Some of you should be locked away for your comments regarding my sexuality, it's absolutely disgraceful. Imagine that was your son or brother that was receiving those messages enough is enough."

He continued: "I'm a 24 year old normal boy who has auditioned for Xfactor, never come from money, my mother is seriously ill, and not once have I used that as a sob story or a reason to validate my place on the show, I would rather be judged on the reason why I'm actually on the show to sing and perform. I TOTALLY understand I haven't got the best voice in the competition but have proved that I can just stand there and sing. I love to perform hense the reason I like to put on a show every Saturday night.

Clark concluded: "For those of you that have supported me thank you do much it means the world, unlike others, the truth will always out in the end and I look forward to the day when people see that I have been honest and genuine throughout and polite to everyone during this process. This is me signing off and look forward to meeting everyone that has supported me throughout sometime soon. Lots of love. Rylan x."