US gay rights group criticises Cowell

Music mogul Simon Cowell has been criticised by a US gay rights group for comments made about contestants' sexuality on talent show 'American Idol'.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it had raised concerns with broadcaster Fox over the remarks.

Simon told a male contestant to "wear a dress" in the first episode of the fifth series, while fellow judge Randy Jackson asked one: "Are you a girl?"

The group said it was worried about the show's attitude to "gender expression".

Fox had no comment to make on the episode, which was watched by almost 36 million viewers.