SIMON Cowell was branded a 'hypocrite' by Britain's Got Talent viewers tonight when he spoke out about bullying.
The talent show judge on the ITV hit was trying to send a message about the dangers of picking on others as he gave feedback to young dance group 5 Star Boys.
The talented lads stood up to bullies who taunted them for loving dancing, and Simon defended them.
"You had the guts to tell us about that," he said of the boys talking about being bullied in their VT.
"If anyone bullied my son...wow. Seriously I mean we all feel the same way. for me it was one of the most cruel things ever."
But viewers were quick to point out on twitter that Simon, who had a reputation as TV's 'Mr Nasty' in his early talent show days, has been accused of bullying himself.
One wrote: "Simon preaching about not bullying like he hasn't found fame by bullying people. Hypocrisy?"
A second said: "Bullying is one of the worst things, says Simon Cowell - conveniently forgetting just how many auditionees he has bullied over the years on prime time tv in the name of entertainment."
A third added: "Lol Simon made millions off bullying people on television."
And a fourth chimed in: "Simon Cowell is the biggest hypocrite, clapping for an act that has just campaigned against bullying when he's not exactly a saint himself."
A fifth agreed saying: "Cowell talking about bullying being the most evil thing ever, can't help but think he's chatting absolute s**t."
Others aren't a fan of Simon's softer appoach these days.
One complained: "Simon used to be the only judge who was honest and now he has become a snowflake. Can we get some new judges."