viewers defended Walsh based on his alleged homosexuality and the justification that he was unaware of what he was doing, while others pointed out that, if it can happen so openly in a public setting, there is a correlation to how frequently it may happen behind closed doors. Walsh stated on 21 July 2018 that he grabbed Mel B's buttocks as a joke, but conceded that the gesture was no longer "politically correct" due to social media reaction. Misha B Misha B, a contestant from the 2011 series of The X Factor, stated in June 2020 that she had been a victim of racism and also fabricated accusations made by Walsh and Tulisa, who were judges on the show at the time. She says that the producers and screenwriters created a narrative to make her appear to be a bully. The X Factor team announced that they would look into the matter. Awards and honours 2009 Mayo Person of the Year 2015 The Irish Post - Outstanding Contribution to Entertainment Award References External links Louiswalsh.com Louis Walsh ITV.com 1952 births Talent managers Irish music managers People from County Mayo Living people