The Bangles: 'Simon Cowell is too mean'

Simon Cowell has been criticised by '80s popstars The Bangles for going "too far" in his treatment of The X Factor's contestants.

The group, who had hits with 'Eternal Flame' and 'Manic Monday', said that Cowell's attitude had created a 'build them up, knock them down' culture.

Singer Vicki Peterson told The Mirror: "I think this putting people up to knock them down has gone too far. It is excessive meanness - Simon Cowell is to blame and I think he takes it too far."

Fellow band member and sister Debbi Peterson added: "The TV companies have a responsibility to make sure people are not damaged by being laughed at by millions."

However, the pair said that they were happy to have girl group Hustle cover their single 'Walk Like An Egyptian' on the show, commenting: "It's great people still like our music."