Music manager Louis Walsh has opened up about the devastating false claims he was investigated about a sexual assault on a man in a nightclub in 2011.
The X Factor judge was quickly cleared of the charges after it was discovered the man had made false statements to the Gardai.
Talking about harrowing incident four years later, the Mayo native has revealed the toll it took on him, admitting he still has “panic attacks about it”.
Panic attacks: Louis admits he still has panic attacks about it | NICKY JOHNSTON
“I was on my way to do Alan Carr show when I heard the story and I was suicidal, ’cause people are going to think there’s no smoke without fire.
“Your name is all you have, especially working with boybands.
“That was the worst thing ever in my life. I haven’t been out in a nightclub since,” he admitted.
Suicidal: Louis reveals he felt suicidal after the false claims came out | NICKY JOHNSTON
“That guy was trying to trap me and he nearly succeeded. I’ll never forget it.
“I hate talking about it but I want you to know the real story,” the music manager explained.
Speaking to the RTE Guide, the former Westlife manager was asked how his family and friends reacted to the claims.
Standing by him: Louis revealed Simon stood by him throughout the harrowing ordeal
“My mother and family were cool about it. They actually didn’t care.
“Simon [Cowell] rang me and he was the first person to say ‘I know it’s not true’ and then he defended me in the press.
“I have never let me guard down ever since. It was a reality check for me,” he revealed.
