X Factor hopefuls Bratavio have been hit with death threats and homophobic abuse as they progress to the talent competition’s live shows.
Bradley Hunt and Ottavio Columbro enraged fans of the long-running programme when they were named among Louis Walsh’s final three acts for The X Factor’s group category.
According to The Mirror, viewers believe the singers’ ability to progress to the live shows demonstrates how The X Factor has lost credibility in recent years.
The lads – who have received much recognition for their colourful costumes and love/hate relationship – have been attacked online by angry trolls from both the gay and straight communities.
Sharing a picture of Bratavio, one Twitter user wrote: “What the fook is this all about…and we ask our self…why do gay people get beat up…theses 2 make me look straight and I am a drag queen…get them off my TV (sic).”
While others have encouraged the band to “kill themselves”.
internalised homophobia is the worst @BRATAVIO @TheXFactor #vile #dragqueen pic.twitter.com/lzAgbWWsQc
— Lee Ditto (@mrleeditto) October 2, 2016
As well as fans of the duo jumping to their defence, Bradley and Ottavio have replied to some of their haters.
Acknowledging Louis Walsh’s role in the controversy, Ottavio tweeted: “Calm down, we don’t make the decisions and we have dreams too.”
