Madonna impersonator sues Simon Cowell over Britain's Got Talent put downs

A Madonna impersonator is suing Britain's Got Talent over jibes made by one of the show's judges Simon Cowell. Philip Grimmer, 57, made it through to the semi-final of the TV programme earlier this year. For the live show, he performed a rendition of Madonna's Hung Up wearing a purple leotard, wig and knee-high boots.

Cowell called him a "hard of hearing and short-sighted Madonna" and described the act as "'monstrous". He added: "Madonna at 95 would look better and dance better than you."



Mr Grimmer, who is partially deaf and short sighted, accuses the show of discrimination over a disability and the fact he was introduced by presenters Ant and Dec as a "successful drag queen". The married father-of-one, from Ilford, claims he could be mistaken for a gay cross-dresser when he is simply a Madonna impersonator. He is demanding £250,000 for lost earnings and injury to feelings.

In legal papers submitted to the Central London Employment Tribunal, Mr Grimmer said: "I was discriminated against by Simon Cowell and the two presenters Ant and Dec and by one of the assistant producers. "I was singled out by these persons and received unfair and worse treatment and comments on the live TV show than other contestants."

You can see Mr Grimmer's performance here.