I think you have to judge everything based on your personal taste. And if that means being critical, so be it. I hate political correctness. I absolutely loathe it.

Personal life
Cowell became engaged to make up artist Mezhgan Hussainy in February 2010 however the couple separated in 2012. " inevitably followed by an unsparingly blunt appraisal of the contestant's talents personality or even physical appearance.

In 2010 the British magazine New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in a list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010". As a judge Cowell is known for his blunt and often controversial criticisms insults and wisecracks about contestants and their abilities.