Ex-con factor

The producers of X-factor and so desperate to whip interest in the show that they are leaking stories to the press about how ex-cons are taking part in the show.  Why are they making such a big deal about this especially when they have had an ex-con as a judge in the past.  I've no doubt that in weeks to come we will  be reading stories about sex, drug taking and benefit fraud. Proof if proof was needed that Cowell is still pulling all the strings on the show even when he's in the USA.