Former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan shares harrowing experience of sexual assault during show

In her newly released memoir titled “Process: Finding My Way Through,” Spraggan sheds light on the devastating impact the assault had on her life over the past decade, expressing a sense of betrayal by ITV, the network behind the show.

Spraggan recounts that the rape occurred after a night of celebrating fellow contestant Rylan Clark’s birthday at the Mayfair nightclub Mahiki. Both contestants and members of the X Factor crew attended the event. Spraggan criticizes the presence of alcohol, stating that it was inappropriate for anyone, including contestants, to be intoxicated. She questions how a duty of care can be fulfilled when free alcohol is involved.

According to Spraggan, she passed out and was accompanied back to her hotel by a production team member. A hotel porter offered assistance in getting her to her room.

However, as they left, the porter deliberately flipped the security latch on her door to prevent it from locking. Later, Rylan Clark checked on Spraggan and ensured her door was securely locked before leaving. When the porter returned to her room, he had to use a traceable keycard to gain access. Spraggan woke up the next day overwhelmed with dread, struggling to process what had happened to her.

Although the production team promptly called the police, leading to an arrest, Spraggan reveals feeling let down by their apparent lack of preparedness to handle the situation. While she received initial financial and medical support, she was left without any assistance following the trial. No one reached out to check on her well-being, offer rehabilitation, or provide ongoing mental health treatment. Spraggan felt isolated and left to navigate the aftermath of the assault alone.

A Talented Musician’s Journey on X Factor

At the time of her appearance on X Factor, Spraggan was a 20-year-old gigging musician. Known for performing her original songs and playing an instrument, she left a significant impact on the show. Her audition with the song “Last Night” became the world’s fourth most-watched YouTube video that year, and she became the most Googled artist in the UK.

Despite her talent and popularity, she left the competition following the assault, citing the side effects of Pep, a drug to prevent HIV, which made her too unwell to continue.

Despite being advised against revealing the reason for her departure from X Factor, Spraggan ultimately decided that disclosing the truth was crucial for her personal healing and moving forward. She shares her story to rebuild herself and create awareness around the issue of sexual assault.

Fremantle, the producers of X Factor, expressed remorse for any insufficiencies in their support of Spraggan, acknowledging her belief that they could have done more. They expressed deep sorrow for her suffering and emphasized their commitment to learning from such events to enhance their aftercare processes. ITV, the network responsible for duty of care towards program participants, emphasized its dedication to implementing robust measures to protect the mental health and welfare of contestants.

Simon Cowell, the creator of X Factor, conveyed his heartfelt apologies to Spraggan, labeling her experience as “horrific and heartbreaking.” He expressed a genuine friendship and mutual respect, affirming his support for her decision to share her story and advocate for positive change.

FAQs

Q1:Does Lucy Spraggan write her own songs?
Lucy Spraggan embarked on an extraordinary path after her spontaneous appearance on the X Factor stage in 2012. As a remarkable vocalist, songwriter, and expressive storyteller, Lucy’s music resonates powerfully. She delves into profound subjects of self-discovery, conviction, and finding one’s place in the world.

Q2:How many albums does Lucy Spraggan have?
Lucy Spraggan, the talented English singer-songwriter, has an extensive discography that includes 6 studio albums, 1 EP, 19 singles, and 14 music videos.