JLS react to Dappy 'miming' jibe

By Fiona Pryor
Entertainment reporter, BBC News

JLS came second in last year's X Factor series

X Factor runners-up JLS have refused to criticise N-Dubz frontman Dappy, who has hit out at the group accusing them of "miming" on stage.

JLS played down his comments saying they still have "respect" for the artist and they do not believe everything they read.

"You've got to think whether that was said in the context it was written," Aston Merrygold said.

Speaking in The Sun on Friday, Dappy called them "a manufactured band".

'Respect'

Both bands scooped two awards at Wednesday's Mobo awards.

But according to Dappy - real name Dino Contostavlos - JLS have not earned the right to win trophies just yet.

"I spent years writing lyrics in my bedroom with no-one hearing. Now, people are singing them back to me. JLS don't know what that's like," he said.

Dappy does not think JLS have earned their right to win awards

"At the end of the day, they're a manufactured band. They just sing other people's songs. And they were miming."

However, JLS band member Oritse Williams insisted both groups "respect" each other and called Dappy a "talent guy".

He also revealed that both bands spent a lot of time together before and after the awards show.

Merrygold said he blames the newspapers for embellishing comments made during interviews.

"You've got to think whether that was said in the context it was written. We've learnt this from the stories that have been written in the past.

"You can say stuff - as a joke or in any way - but it doesn't matter because because on paper, people will write it down how they want to write it down.

"We don't listen to any of that nonsense any more."

Jonathan Gill, otherwise known as JB, said: "We've got a fantastic support network - great supporters and great fans and everyone knows the story with JLS."

JLS released their debut single Beat Again in July and it went straight to the top of the UK charts.

Their second single, Everybody in Love, is scheduled for release next month.

The band have also revealed they have not yet been asked to return to this year's X Factor series, but if they are, they will definitely sing live.