Trans ‘X-Factor’ Contestant Defends Host After Being Asked Birth Name

“He was extremely sensitive about it.”

When aspiring songwriter Felix Shepherd stepped onto the stage of X-FactorUK he had no way of knowing that it would end with him publicly defending one of the judges after some social media backlash.

While telling the judges and audience a small bit about himself, the Birmingham native revealed that he was a transgender man and was hoping to bring attention to the sometimes-overlooked community. But it was when English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, who serves as a judge on the reality competition, asked Felix what his name was when he was born that viewers of the show took to Twitter to let Williams know how inappropriate deadnaming trans individuals is.

Can’t believe @robbiewilliams just asked Felix Shepard his Deadname so Ignorant #XFactorUK

— Rae Smyth (@RaeOfSunshine58) September 8, 2018

Hey @robbiewilliams I must say I felt it was offending from you to ask Felix’s deadname... I’m sure there was no bad intentions Behind the question but Felix’s name is Felix. He changed it because the other one didn’t fit and I don’t think it was relevant to bring it up? #Xfactor

— céline (@quidditchfranta) September 8, 2018

@robbiewilliams made an honest mistake. It's not his fault that he wasn't educated on trans issues ect, it's important to educate people! Education is important! Let's learn from this and stop using #deadname

— Katrina Marie Scanlan (@Katrina_Scanlan) September 9, 2018

Shepherd later defended Williams and said that editing cut out the portion of the show where the judge asked if that question was acceptable. “I was in no way offended by Robbie’s question and he did ask me if it was okay beforehand but they didn’t show that on the episode. He was extremely sensitive about it said ‘do you mind me asking?’ It’s a shame viewers didn’t get to see that. After my audition he even came backstage and shook  my hand and said another well done. He was very much on a level with me. It’s just jut a common every day thing to hear about on Saturday night TV and it’s not something people have pocket knowledge about; it isn’t always in daylight for people to see. I don’t take it personally; I jut know people don’t have a great understanding of it.” What’s Shepherd’s audition, below. 

Trans X-Factor Contestant Defends Host After Being Asked Birth Name

Trans X-Factor Contestant Defends Host After Being Asked Birth Name