X Factor’s Monica Michael became recluse after suffering cruel taunts over brother’s death

X Factor hopeful Monica Michael locked herself away and became a recluse after suffering cruel taunts following her brother’s death last year.

The singer, who has appeared on the ITV series this year for the second time, spoke out about her brother’s death after appearing on the programme.

But trolls sent cruel messages to the aspiring pop star, saying she was using the sad situation to further her career.

She told the Daily Star Sunday: “I locked myself in and became a recluse for two or three weeks.

“I don’t think you ever get over it. You never fully get over it... the pain is always there...

“People were really cruel. They were saying they were glad my brother died and claimed I was using it as a sob story even though he died after I had left the competition.”

Viewers were shocked when Monica was sent home last year by judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini during the six-chair challenge.

However, Monica is happy that’s how things worked out as she could be there for her family after her brother’s death.

She said: “In hindsight it’s lucky I didn’t get through because I wouldn’t have been able to continue after my brother died. I was completely broken. Everything happens for a reason.

“I had to be there for my little sister who is my life. She was devastated and she needed me.”

Despite the Monica's pain, she has one happy memory of her brother that she’s using as inspiration.

She said: “The last thing he said was ‘you will always be a superstar in my eyes’, which was the loveliest thing. I know he’d be so proud right now.

“What happened has made me more determined this year. He’s always in my heart.

“I didn’t experience pain like that until a year ago, so when I sing I always think of that.”

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