News | Entertainment
23 Oct 2025 2:30
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Michael Costello has been left bemused by Leona Lewis' claims against him

    The 'Project Runway' contestant claimed earlier this week online bullying from Chrissy Teigen left him suicidal, prompting the 'Bleeding Love' hitmaker to defend the model and accuse the fashion designer of leaving her with body image issues when he pulled out of dressing her for a 2014 event


    In response to Leona, Michael highlighted the fact the 36-year-old singer continued to wear his designs after then and urged her to get in touch with him to discuss what had happened.

    He wrote on his Instagram story alongside a photo of Leona in one of his dresses: "@LeonaLewis No dis no shade no hate, I love you and your music I still follow you but not sure what [happened].

    "I've reached out to you personally and I have 7 emails from the last 4 years and these past 9 weeks from your team and stylist still requesting looks last email 05/17/21.

    "Leona I am still a fan and I am not coming for you. But let's talk about what you were feeling about this dress I thought you were happy."

    He also shared a photo of himself with the former 'X Factor' champion.

    He wrote: "And alongside a screengrab of an email from a stylist's assistant asking for Michael's help in making the star's appearance on the 'American Idol' finale "special", he wrote: "If I made you feel bad in 2014 but you still wore my dresses and request them can we try and figure out what got lost in translation with the dress you wore? You looked so beautiful in it."

    Leona had called out Michael for double standards after alleging he had "humiliated" her in their 2014 row ahead of a charity fashion show.

    After telling how Michael "abandoned" his commitments to the event by failing to show up for a fitting, she wrote on her Instagram Story: “I was so embarrassed and deeply hurt. Because I didn’t look like a model size, I wasn’t permitted to walk in his dress.

    “I remember having to come up with excuses as I was so humiliated by it all... I was left with deep insecurities after this and I’ve had to work hard over the years to love my body.”

    Although the 'One More Sleep' singer wishes Michael "healing", she insisted "bullying comes in many different forms", as she accused Michael of "pot calling the kettle black".

    She concluded: “I wish him so much love and healing. I’m sure this will come as a shock as I’ve never told him how I feel.

    “But the pot calling the kettle black in this situation doesn’t sit right with me. Bullying comes in many different forms. We need love, we need accountability, we need forgiveness, none of us are perfect.”

    Leona spoke out after the designer had alleged that his suicidal feelings were sparked by comments made by Chrissy targeting him online and accusing him of "being a racist" in comments on his Instagram page.

    And Michael is still waiting for Chrissy to contact him directly with an apology.

    He said: "I am not out for revenge. I only wish to speak my truth because I have been silenced for so long.

    "I'm still waiting for Chrissy Teigen and anyone who bullied me to reach out to me. If they truly acknowledge that their actions are wrong, I welcome them with open arms to have a real conversation."

    Chrissy recently returned from a social media hiatus to address bullying allegations and vowed to apologise personally to those she had "insulted" in the past.

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     22 Oct: Katy Perry has liked an Instagram post poking fun at her romance with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
     22 Oct: Jimmy Fallon is heartbroken after the death of his family dog
     22 Oct: Ben Stiller insists comedy is about having the freedom to speak "truth to power"
     22 Oct: Antonio Banderas says seeing his daughter dressed as a bride was one of the "most beautiful moments" of his life
     22 Oct: Sean 'Diddy' Combs is set to appeal his conviction and prison sentence
     22 Oct: Lea Michele landed her first Broadway role because her friend's dad suffered a heart attack
     22 Oct: Taylor Swift's ex Joe Jonas has given his seal of approval to her latest album
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Canterbury have made two changes to their starting side for Saturday's South Island showdown with Otago to decide the NPC season More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Fonterra's announced a 75-million-dollar investment to expand butter production at its South Canterbury Clandeboye site More...



     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    Police say there are serious injuries after a two-vehicle crash has blocked State Highway One in both directions near Tokoroa in Bay of Plenty 21:57

    Politics:
    Union delegates have given rousing testimonies to their fellow members on the eve of tomorrow's mega-strike 21:37

    Entertainment:
    Katy Perry has liked an Instagram post poking fun at her romance with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 21:30

    Environment:
    Damaging gales and heavy rain are expected to lash the lower North Island and most of the South Island tomorrow 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Jimmy Fallon is heartbroken after the death of his family dog 21:00

    Entertainment:
    Ben Stiller insists comedy is about having the freedom to speak "truth to power" 20:30

    Entertainment:
    Antonio Banderas says seeing his daughter dressed as a bride was one of the "most beautiful moments" of his life 20:00

    International:
    The 'peppercorn' lease deal that allows Prince Andrew to live in the Royal Lodge virtually rent free 19:57

    Entertainment:
    Sean 'Diddy' Combs is set to appeal his conviction and prison sentence 19:30

    Entertainment:
    Lea Michele landed her first Broadway role because her friend's dad suffered a heart attack 19:00


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd