Simon Cowell hopes One Direction fans "stay loyal' to them following their leaked ode to Beavis and Butthead.
The music mogul is standing by the boy band - who he put together in 2010 - following the video that leaked last week of Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson smoking a soliff while on tour in Peru, and is hoping their fans will as well.
He was quizzed on what he thought of the infamous video while attending the Health Lottery Champagne Tea Party at The Savoy Hotel in London yesterday afternoon and said: "I can't really comment on that, what I can say, because I've worked with the boys for a long time, they are the hardest working boys I've ever worked with. They still haven't changed, they're really respectful to their fans, they're hard working, a great British export but that's all I can really say... I hope the fans stay loyal." Given how much 1D have earned for him via merch sales alone, I'd say that's a bit of an understatement.
Simon also insists the group have not forgot where they came from and are still appreciative of the fans who have made them a global phenomenon, something he claims a lot of artists do forget.
The 54-year-old star added to BANG Showbiz: "I've worked with a lot of artists, who actually do lose the plot, that do lose respect for their fans and forget about who took them there, but they've never done that. You know they really do love their fans. They really do love their fans. I can only talk about my own personal relationship with them and they have been a joy to work with."
But Simon refused to reveal whether he has had a word with the boys about their behaviour, only saying: "It's a private matter I don't want to go into it."
As a result of the video, it's now being reported that One Direction will have to undergo blood tests prior to taking to the stage during their South East Asia tour. To be honest, I'd imagine indulging in a joint before having to hop around onstage in front of thousands of screaming fans would be a nightmare for many. Imagine the FEAR.
