X Factor hopeful Ottavio ‘in bits’ after he claims he was refused an Uber because of his sexuality
The incident has dampened his spirits ahead of his stint on TV tonight
X FACTOR hopeful Ottavio spent the hours before tonight's show "in bits" after he claimed a taxi driver refused to take him home because of his sexuality.
The singer, full name Ottavio Columbro, left fans of the ITV programme glued to their screens when he sported a super-skimpy sequin outfit for his audition alongside pal Bradley.
Yet the devastated wannabe believes it is his fashion sense coupled with his bubbly personality which saw him refused a ride in an Uber last night.
A source exclusively told us the raven-haired contestant was left gutted ahead of the screening of one of the "most important days of his career".
A spokesperson for Ottavio then revealed to us: "Ottavio is deeply upset by this unprovoked incident.
"We are investigating this currently and have no further comment to make at this time."
Shortly after the incident, he took to his Twitter to share his experience with fans.
Directly tagging car firm Uber in his message, he wrote: "Why is this driver was allowed to refuse my journey yesterday because of my sexuality and how I dress?
"Deeply upset and embarrassed by this."
He went on to add: "He looked me up and down when I approached and identified myself, muttered under his breath and drove off.
"I'm equal to every other customer @UberUK," followed by two sad Emoji's.
Celebrities flocked to offer support, including former X Factor star Christopher Maloney, who wrote: "This is disgraceful," before urging Ottavio not to let it mar his special day.
An Uber Spokesperson told The Sun Online when asked for comment: "Uber celebrates diversity and does not tolerate any form of discrimination whatsoever.
"We’re taking this allegation incredibly seriously and have been in touch with Ottavio to offer our support and to establish exactly what happened so we can take the appropriate action."
His fans will see him on tonight's X Factor where he will try to impress Louis Walsh, who is mentoring The Groups category.
Bradley and Ottavio turned up to audition separately after arguing about a plate of chicken yet then made up.
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Ottavio is proud of his quirky fashion sense, recently appearing on The Body Fixers for an all-over wax and blinging Pejazzle.
He tells the E4! programme: “I’m Ottavio. One word. Like Madonna.
“I’ve always had an ambition to be a singer. There’s a whole section of my wardrobe that I cry every time I look at because I know I’ll never wear it.
“My body hair is out of control. It’s everywhere. And because I am Italian it is thick and dark and it’s too much hair for me.
“I want to wear glitter thongs and have an iconic popstar style but I can’t with this body carpet.”
The X Factor airs at 7pm tonight, on ITV.
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