Axed X Factor contestant Shirlena Johnson has hit out at the decision to drop her from the programme amid concerns over her mental health.
TV bosses confirmed on Tuesday that she would not continue on the show in the interests of her welfare.
But speaking to the Daily Star, the singing hopeful insisted she was "not mentally ill" and that being kicked off X Factor was "a complete catastrophe".
The wannabe pop star caused a stir during her first appearance on the hit ITV1 talent show on Saturday evening with an eccentric routine.
More than 12 million viewers saw Johnson, a single mother, get through to the boot camp stage on Saturday night. She performed, in leopard skin leggings, a bizarre rendition of the Duffy track Mercy.
But following the performance, concerns over the contestant's health were raised.
A spokesman for The X Factor said: "The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance, and for this reason, it has been agreed that Shirlena Johnson should not continue in the competition."
But the hopeful hit back at the decision.
She told the Daily Star: "This is the worst thing that's ever happened to me."
In addition to being axed from The X Factor, Johnson was also given the chop from this year's Miss Great Britain contest - which she also entered.
She allegedly told organisers that she was 28 years old, below the cut off point of 29. But on The X Factor she said she was 30.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Johnson's mother also criticised the treatment of her daughter by X Factor bosses.
Carmen Stanley, 53, said: "I feel angry. I think it's very unfair."
She added that her daughter filled in a medical form including the name of her GP a month ago.
"I think it's appalling the way she has been treated - building up her hopes only to crush them again," Ms Stanley said.
It is understood Shirlena was given the news in person by programme executives with a psychologist to hand.
The programme's medical experts consulted the hopeful's own doctor before a decision was made.
Contestants are asked to declare health issues during the audition process but it is thought no issues were brought to the attention of show staff.
Programme-makers provide psychologists to provide expert opinion if any of the contestants raise issues or concerns while taking part in the programmes.
Contestants are expected to provide a report from their GP before they reach the "Judges' Houses" stage of the competition, because of the extra stresses which result from getting further through the process.
It is understood her report came in late and was received only this week, and show chiefs acted immediately when they learned of issues concerning her welfare.
After her audition, judge Simon Cowell told her: "I have to say I love you - you're completely crazy, but I like that.
"You are fantastically nuts."
Sue Baker, director of Time to Change, a campaign against mental health discrimination run by charities Mind and Rethink, said: "Regardless of whether X Factor contestant Shirlena Johnson hid her alleged mental health issues, mental illness should not automatically mean she is incapable of taking part in the X Factor or, more importantly, of caring for her child.
"One in four of us will have a mental health problem at some point and the vast majority of those are more than capable of being perfectly good, loving parents.
"All broadcasters have a responsibility to ensure that participants are up to the pressure that shows like the X Factor can put on contestants.
"But this doesn't mean anyone with a mental health problem should automatically be excluded."
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© Press Association