Simon Cowell slams 'weird' Depeche Mode star for shooting jibe

Martin Gore said the X Factor boss should be shot for his influence on the music industry

Simon Cowell has risen to fame by cultivating the image of “Mr Nasty” and “most recognisable face” (PA)

Simon Cowell has criticised Depeche Mode guitarist Martin Gore after the pop star joked that the X Factor boss should be shot for what he has done to the music industry.

Cowell, 53, vented his fury and branded Gore a "weirdo" in a series of comments on Twitter.

In an interview with MusicWeek, guitarist Gore reportedly said: "I'm not advocating violence but I think somebody should shoot Simon Cowell."

He added: "His influence on the industry over the last God knows how many years... It's just like, so many people think that's what music is.

"What happened to bands getting together?"

Cowell tweeted: "I read Martin Gore wants to shoot me. He was in Depeche Mode. Do you realise how weird and stupid that makes you? Go and watch the news.

"Why I am angry about weirdo Gore is a ton of people have got shot this year and people like weirdo Gore encourage this."

Cowell has previously spoken of getting death threats and having to beef up security at his Los Angeles mansion.

"People want to kill me," he said. "It's serious and we have a lot of security now for that reason.

"My bosses told me they have been shown emails threatening my life. They said one man wanted to stab me.

"It sent a chill down me. But I'm used to it," he said at the time.

PA