Sharon Osbourne has apologised to Susan Boyle for suggesting during a radio outburst that she was hit with an "ugly stick".
The former X Factor judge added that someone should give the Scottish singer "a Gillette razor" during a raucous interview in the US.
The clip was posted on YouTube, leading to a backlash by Boyle supporters and resulting in Osbourne's mea culpa.
In a statement posted on Facebook and Twitter, the 57-year-old said sorry for trying to get a "cheap laugh" out of Boyle's appearance.
She said: "Susan Boyle is a lovely, gracious woman and I took advantage of that by poking fun at her.
"I would never want to be responsible for hurting Susan and I must apologise for getting a cheap laugh at her expense."
During the interview on Sirius XM's Opie And Anthony show, Osbourne was asked if she wished Boyle all the best with her career.
Amid laughter in the studio, she said that God had given the singer talent, but "hit her with an ugly stick."
Viewers of the YouTube clip commented that Osbourne's words were "vile" and "nasty".
Sources close to Boyle said: "Susan is a very dignified lady, I'm sure she will accept the apology."
© Press Association