The X Factor’s Ottavio Columbro has hit out at a taxi driver who he claims left him stranded for being gay.
The aspiring star, who has made it through to the judges’ houses stage of the show with friend Bradley Hunt, claims an Uber driver drove off after he saw Ottavio and how he was dressed.
Ottavio and Bradley have become known for their flamboyant outfits on the ITV show.
Venting his anger on Twitter, he wrote: “@UberUK why was your driver allowed to refuse my journey yesterday because of my sexuality & how I dress? Deeply upset and embarrassed.”
He added: “When the car arrived I approached, he wouldn’t look at me, muttered under his breath & drove off. I’m equal to every other customer @UberUK.”
Ottavio’s followers were quick to jump to his defence, with one writing: “He should be the one who’s embarrassed for the way he behaved. There’s so many judgemental people these days, it’s sad.”
Another posted: “You are a beautiful person inside and out babe x you stand tall and be proud of who you are - this has angered me so much.”
And another added: “Stand tall and be proud that you are YOU. Knocks in life come in many forms, this seems to be one of them.”
Un Uber representative appeared to respond to Ottavio on Twitter, writing: “@OttavioUK So sorry to hear about this. Can you please DM me the email and tel no on your Uber account and I will look into this.”
However, Ottavio seemed happy on The Xtra Factor this weekend as he joined the fellow groups on the show to discuss their upcoming auditions at the judges’ houses.
Both Ottavio and Bradley were jetted abroad to perform again after winning a seat at the Six Chair Challenge.