'X-Factor' Lady Gaga Audition: Humiliating UK Performance Leads to Investigation Involving Bullying [VIDEO]

A recent episode of U.K's "X-Factor" featured a humiliating rendition of Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" performed by contestant Alison Brunton (who had the nerve to compare herself to the talents of Madonna). Now the popular U.K media watchdog authority Ofcom is investigating whether Simon Cowell's hit singing reality show "X Factor" breached its broadcasting code by allowing the mortifying Lady Gaga routine to actually be aired on television. Media regulators believe that the highly criticized performance could lead to Brunton's two teenage children being bullied.

Brunton's version of "Edge of Glory" (which can be viewed below) is indeed quite cringe-worthy. Her voice is crackly and totally off-key, and the looks on the judges and audience members' faces are ones of complete horror. Brunton's two teenage children - a 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son - watched the brutal performance from backstage, appearing utterly embarrassed and humiliated.

Since the highly-publicized performance, Ofcom has received over 30 complaints in relation to how Brunton's audition could negatively impact her children. The U.K media regulator has now launched an investigation that looks into the rule regarding minors (under the age of 18) appearing in TV shows.

Section 1 of the Ofcom broadcasting code states that U.K's popular public service TV network ITV has a responsibility to take "due care of the physical and emotional welfare and dignity of people under 18 who take part or are otherwise involved in programs." Therefore it was ITV's responsibility, not Brunton's, to ensure that her young children weren't "caused unnecessary distress or anxiety by their involvement in programs or by the broadcast of those programs." Many believe that Brunton's horrific on-air performance could lead to her children being ridiculed and bullied by their peers.

A spokeswoman for ITV told The Guardian, "The X Factor does not include child contestants but takes the welfare of any children featured in the show very seriously. It is a well-established format and contestants regularly bring along their family to support them as Alison did. Footage of family members is only used when appropriate consent has been obtained."

Another U.K "X-Factor" audition, performed by Britney Spears impersonator Lorna Bliss, is also being investigated by Ofcom. Many people believe Bliss' rendition of Spears' hit "Till the World Ends" was too risqué and inappropriate for public television. What do Mstarz readers think? Is U.K public television allowing too much to get past its censors?