Nicole Scherzinger defends singers from online trolls

OHMYGOSSIP — Nicole Scherzinger has defended her ‘X Factor’ proteges – Hannah Barrett, Abi Alton and Tamera Foster – from online trolls who branded the trio “fat and ugly”.

The former Pussycat Doll has defended her TV talent show proteges – Hannah Barrett, 17, Abi Alton, 19 and 16-year-old Tamera Foster – after they were abused on Twitter and called “talentless”.

She told the Daily Star newspaper: “People always have something bad to say. I’ve gone through that kind of storm and come out the other side.

“I can speak from a real place of strength and hopefully inspire them to be strong. They’ve got me on their side, I’ve got their backs. This is where I can lift them up. I get so protective over the girls.

“I am really involved, psychologically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. We all have our own insecurities and fears but I want them to have confidence in being themselves.”

Hannah admitted the abuse was a “down side” to the show, insisting they are helping each other through it.

She said: “All three of us have experienced the down side already. We’ve all been told we’re this and we’re that but if we weren’t talented then we wouldn’t be sitting here. It’s hard to deal with but we support each other.”

Meanwhile their mentor explained battling her own “demons” means she can help the “beautiful girls” through this tough time.

Nicole added: “They are all beautiful girls, they have great style and they are bringing their A game. But we’ve all got our own demons, so I’ll be able to help the girls through it.”