Ronan Keating never gave a damn about me, says 'X Factor' Aus Altiyan

Altiyan Childs has revealed that his former mentor Ronan Keating has "never called" him following a number of scandals last year.

The Australian X Factor winner, who recently lost his driving licence after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of drugs, said that Keating chose to protect his own "reputation" by avoiding him since the show.

Childs said on The Kyle and Jackie O Show yesterday: "[Ronan] disappeared after the first article. [He] never called, never gave a damn, never offered to help me out in any way. As soon as it got a little negative, he chose his mind over his heart and his reputation was much too important.

"He did what he was supposed to do [on The X Factor Australia] and he'll always have a place in my heart."

Childs then admitted that he will probably "have a joint again", but when presenter Kyle Sandilands reminded him that it is illegal, the star insisted that he will never "get behind the wheel" after doing so.

The musician also revealed that he has parted ways with Sony Music, but is still releasing a book and his new album. He blamed "unimportant journalists" for trying to cover his album release with "darkness", saying: "[You're] desperate to bury me. You are an embarrassment to the true fact-finding journalists of Australia."

Childs was dumped by manager John Martinovich earlier this month. His previous manager Steve Gold was arrested on suspicion of drugs and firearms possession.

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