Nicole Scherzinger has defended James Arthur in the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the singer.

Arthur has received much press attention recently after he used a homophobic slur on Twitter.

Speaking to Digital Spy and others, the X Factor winner’s former mentor said she “supports” Arthur and knows his true character.

Scherzinger said: “I’m just there for him. I don’t read the press, I know who he is as a person, I know his heart. I’m just there to support him. He’s unbelievably talented and he’s worked so hard on his album. In the end I know that the cream will always rise to the top.”

Arthur made an on-air apology for his behaviour during an appearance on The X Factor earlier this month.

Scherzinger also said that she would be back in the UK in 2014 but did not confirm a return to the ITV show, instead saying that her stay in Britain would be for “music and a lot of new projects”.

She continued: “In January I plan to finish my album and my focus will be on my music. I’m just living in the moment right now. I’ve really enjoyed my time here [but] I’m excited to focus on my music next year.”

Source: Digital Spy