Rachel Hylton's gun outrage

Thursday, 20 November 2008

'The X Factor' contestant Rachel Hylton has caused controversy by using a "gun" salute.

The two-fingered gesture - often used by street criminals to show their love of weapons - has sparked outrage from viewers, who complained to ITV1 and regulating body Ofcom following last Saturday's (15.11.08) show, following Rachel's gesture to fellow contestant Daniel Evans after she beat him in the sing-off to stay in the competition.

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The incident caused around 50 complaints, with sources claiming the gesture was deliberate.

A source said: "Some viewers see this as Rachel's way of condoning gun use. She knew what she was doing and knew the cameras were watching so it was pretty stupid, especially given her background.

"Judging from this backlash, I hope she has leaned her lesson and won't do this kind of thing again."

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However, a show insider claimed Rachel - who has a background of drug addiction and crime - meant nothing by the gesture, and insisted previous contestants 4Tune, Nicholas Dorsett, Addictiv Ladies and Futureproof had all been seen making the same sign on air without incident.

The insider added: "It's a street gesture. It's like slang. Rachel doesn't mean anything by it. Daniel actually jokingly made the signal back to her."

A spokesperson for the show said: "Rachel in no way meant any offence by her hand gestures on Saturday night."