The phrase "Mi casa es su casa" apparently takes on a new meaning where "The X Factor" is concerned.
A spokesperson for the show admitted Thursday that the residences presented as the homes of "X Factor" judges Simon Cowell and Britney Spears are "not necessarily" Spears' and Cowell's actual residences.
Also read: An FCC Complaint Over "X Factor" Flasher, But Was He Even Exposed?
"The 'Judges Homes' part of the show is filmed in a house of the judges [sic] choice, not necessarily the judge's own homes," a spokesperson for "The X Factor" told TheWrap in a statement. "This is what the portion of the show is called."
While the meaning of the second portion of the statement is unclear -- it would seem that the segment might be more accurately called the 'House of the Judges Choice' portion -- the first portion of the statement appears to be a pretty clear admission that there's some fudging involved. Viewers -- not to mention contestants -- were most likely misled when "X Factor" hopefuls were welcomed by Spears to "my home" during the segment.
The admission comes on the heels of a report from TMZ that "Cowell's" house is actually the Miami home of New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, while Spears actually lives in Calabasas, Calif., and not Malibu, as the segment would suggest.
Of course, this wouldn't be the first time that "The X Factor" has been accused of distorting the facts. As TheWrap reported last year, the show strongly implied that contestant Geo Godley had dropped his pants and exposed himself to the audience, while according to an audience member he was actually wearing a thong. (As the episode was aired, a big red "X" appeared over Godley's groin.
Watch Wednesday night's "Judges Homes" segment below. Was it misleading? Render your verdict in the comments section.