Self-styled, multi-millionaire pop Svengali, Simon Cowell has hit out at pampered pop stars such as Robbie Williams and Britney Spears.
Speaking in his usual frank and forthright manner to British newspaper The Daily Mirror Simon Cowell launched an attack on the self-indulgent lifestyle of the music stars today. The 47-year-old music exec and panel judge on American Idol and X-Factor told the newspaper that he had been to deprived areas of the world and they lived in unbelievable conditions so pop stars really have nothing to complain about.
Speaking directly about pop stars Robbie Williams and Britney Spears Cowell said: "It's very fashionable to be in rehab. This whole thing is a total indulgence, Britney and Robbie need to get a grip. We've allowed these people to feel sorry for themselves. I don't know what's going on in Britney's head but my attitude is I couldn't care less. She should go back and live with her mum for six months".
The American Idol judge then went on to explain that he had lost everything when he was 30 years old - including his Porsche and his house - and had to move back in with his parents after going bankrupt. They treated him the same as they ever did and it made Cowell re-evaluate what was important.
The music mogul explained that pop stars today get too much too soon and they lose perspective for what is important.
Not wishing to decry the pain and suffering true mental illness can cause - whether self inflicted due to drink and drug abuse or not - Mr Cowell may have a point with the current crop of pampered pop princes and princesses.
