Simon’s bust-up with a statue

TV mogul smashes ‘hideous’ likeness

SIMON Cowell has shown what he really thinks about a golden statue of himself… by “accidentally” smashing it to bits.

The monstrous bust, complete with misshapen head and goofy grin, was presented to the TV mogul as a joke by his fellow America’s Got Talent judge Sofia Vergara.

It was put on display with much more flattering figurines of the rest of the judging panel in the foyer of Simon’s AGT Live theatrical show in Las Vegas.

But Simon’s statue at the Luxor Resort has since been replaced with a framed photo of the star, alongside the busts of comedian Howie Mandel, model Heidi Klum, actress Sofia and actor Terry Crews.

When baffled fans asked AGT Live staff why Si’s sculpture was missing, most ducked the question. But one let slip: “Simon broke the statue. It was smashed and cannot stand any more, so it was removed. It was an accident, we were told, but everybody knew how much he disliked that thing.

“Film cameras caught what happened. We’re told it will all be explained on the upcoming series of AGT soon.”

At the time of the prank last year, Simon, 62, tried to hide his horror but was seen muttering: “Honestly, the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”

He wanted the bust to be destroyed but Vegas show chiefs said no – and thousands of visitors to his Sin City spectacular got to see it.

Simon reportedly said of the statue: “It’s total crap. If I look like that, I will retire. Seriously. It’s hideous.”

When asked if the bust will be replaced, the AGT Live staff member said: “Simon is working on it. He doesn’t want the old one back at all.”

Clips of the prank are still being played in the AGT Live foyer.

An LA TV producer said: “Simon laughed along at the time but he loathed that statue. It’s clear he felt enough was enough – and had to get rid of it in his own way.”

If I look like that, I will retire. Seriously. It’s

total crap