Published Thursday, 19 April 2012
Cowell hit the headlines this week as stories leaked from Tom Bower's upcoming biography, including details of his fling with pop star Dannii Minogue, one-night stands, and bizarre beauty treatments.
Now the TV boss has admitted he is struggling to come to terms with the backlash.
He tells TMZ Live: "What I would say about the book, and I have to say this, is that I've been very embarrassed actually this week.
"It's not my habit to kiss and tell. I've never done it. I've always tried to keep my private life private, and it is unfortunate. So I was feeling very embarrassed and not gentlemanly at all this week because it's just not my style."
Cowell also explained why he decided to give journalist Bower access to his life: "If someone is going to write an in-depth book on you, I want him to really understand, you know, how I work... so (he would) have a clear understanding when writing the book... When you are with someone for a long time, they do get stuff out of you."
He adds: "This guy, I mean, is not someone you particularly want writing your biography because you know... he has written books about Richard Branson, Bernie Ecclestone who runs Formula 1 - lots and lots of books, and this guy is a digger and he's relentless...
"At the same time, the guy's got the right to write the book he wants, but it has been uncomfortable to be honest with you."
Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell is due to hit shelves next month.