London, Aug 10 (IANS): Music mogul Simon Cowell is facing legal action over allegations that he caused "mental anguish" to a pair of contestants who tried for the US version of music reality show "The X Factor".

Hyman Marks, 86, and his son Stephen, 54, are suing Cowell over claims that their audition was ruined because they were left exhausted after filming a behind-the-scenes segment multiple times.

According to the suit, the father-son duo were repeatedly made to walk from a car into the Bank United Center in Miami, Florida as cameramen shot them from different angles.

When they finally stepped in front of the judging panel, both were too tired to impress, reports contactmusic.com.

Their lawsuit, obtained by thewrap.com states, "As a result of this grueling and discriminatory physical and mental exertion, the judges and the audience never got to see the real Hy Marks and Stephen Marks that day."

The pair is suing Cowell and Fox TV executives for negligence, fraudulence of representation, and mental anguish. They have also asked for another chance to audition.