Sacked X Factor New Zealand judges 'flee' the country
The pair have left New Zealand
Axed X Factor New Zealand Judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon have left the country following recent claims that they bullied a contestant on the show.
The pair were seen walking through a terminal at LAX holding hands - it is believed that they were catching a second flight to their home in New York.
Kills told reporters at the airport: “I would like to wish Joe Irvine and my boys’ category all the best on the show.
“I feel like everyone needs to put the idea of it being a manufactured conspiracy theory behind them, there’s really nothing to it. I love my husband with all of my heart, we’ll stick together no matter what."
She continued: "There are many sides to this story and I’m not about to get an entire industry in trouble that has been going on for years and years entertaining the masses, so thank you for your support, thank you to all of my fans, thank you to my husband.”
It is understood that replacement judges will be announced within the next 48 hours.
According to reports, the show’s sponsors, as well as fellow judges Melanie Blatt and Stan Walker, put ‘extreme’ pressure on Mediaworks to take action over the incident.
Several high-profile personalities including Lorde and Ed Sheeran, have since weighed in on events, offering support to singer Joe Irvine.
He will appear on screens again at the end of this week after making it through Monday's elimination show.