'X Factor' Star Chico Slimani Found Guilty in Court — Public Stunned by What He Wore to the Hearing

He once danced his way into the nation's hearts with "It's Chico Time," but years later, the former "The X Factor" star found himself back in the spotlight for very different reasons — and it was not just the verdict that left people talking.

Yousseph "Chico" Slimani, the former "The X Factor" star who nudged Madonna off the top of the UK charts, was found guilty of drink-driving in April 2026. However, it was his courtroom outfit in December 2025 that the internet could not stop talking about.

From Goat Herder to Number One

Yousseph "Chico" Slimani's journey to fame was anything but ordinary. Born in Wales and raised in Morocco from infancy, he spent his early years herding mountain goats before returning to the UK at 14 to settle in Crawley, West Sussex.

Before finding fame, Slimani worked a string of jobs — including as a hairdresser and electrician — and even joined an exotic dance troupe, Extreme Force, in a bid to raise money for his ill grandmother.

It was during this period that he honed the charisma that would later define his television persona. His breakthrough came in 2005 with a move that would change the trajectory of his life.

Years after his rise to fame, Slimani once again captured public attention — this time outside a courtroom.

Growing up with Arabic and Indian music, and reportedly doing most of his vocal preparation in the bathroom, Slimani auditioned for "The X Factor" and made history as the first contestant to perform an original song on the ITV talent show.

Known for his infectious energy and distinctive style, Slimani quickly became a fan favourite under the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne. Though he fell short of the final — with Shayne Ward ultimately winning — Slimani left an indelible mark on the show.

He later made chart history with his debut single "It's Chico Time," which soared to number one in March 2006, even knocking Madonna off the top spot and earning praise from Ozzy Osbourne. The track, inspired by his now-iconic catchphrase, cemented his place in British pop culture.

A Cowboy Hat, a Fur Coat, and a Magistrates' Court Appearance

Years after his rise to fame, Slimani once again captured public attention — this time outside a courtroom. On 30 December 2025, the singer appeared at a court hearing wearing a striking ensemble.

Slimani arrived wearing a floor-length black textured fur coat and a camel-coloured wide-brimmed cowboy hat adorned with a metal longhorn badge, pulling a black suitcase along the pavement outside the court.

At the time, Slimani — known for his flamboyant persona — was facing a charge of drink-driving. According to reports, he was accused of driving a Vauxhall Astra with 40 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

During the trial, Slimani told the court that his actions came after a deeply emotional period in his life.

He entered a not guilty plea and was granted bail, with a trial set for 9 April 2026. However, as the bold outfit stood in stark contrast to the typically subdued attire expected in court, it amplified public scrutiny at an already sensitive moment.

Ultimately, it was his appearance rather than the legal proceedings that ignited debate online. Social media quickly filled with reactions, many sharply critical of his sartorial choice for such a serious setting.

One person said, "It would be jail time looking like that for court," while another shared, "Dressed up like the cartel but done for drink driving in an Astra."

Others questioned the appropriateness of the look altogether, with one commenting, "It's court not a fashion show [sic]," and another adding, "Fur coat? Thats [sic] a dressing gown."

Found Guilty – What Chico Told the Court

On 9 April 2026, the case reached its conclusion at Willesden Magistrates' Court, where Slimani, now 55, was found guilty of drink-driving. During the trial, he told the court that his actions came after a deeply emotional period in his life.

He explained that he had broken his long-standing sobriety following the passing of a close friend to cancer — the third bereavement he had experienced in a short time. The former "The X Factor" star revealed:

"It was after a third bereavement of one of my dearest friends, which was just devastating. On that fateful day, I'm teetotal, I don't drink, and it felt like I was going out of my mind, couldn't take it, so I drank."

He admitted to consuming whisky for six hours and also taking cold and flu medication, NyQuil, which he said was for symptoms he described as "a flu which you may call long Covid."

However, the musician failed to disclose the medication when questioned by authorities at the time of his detention at approximately 6:30pm on 13 December 2025 in London. Slimani later explained this omission, telling the court his thoughts were racing "at 600,000 mph."

He also spoke candidly about the personal and professional fallout, stating his fears about reputational damage "sadly have all come true." "The loss of my reputation, the loss of work — everything has happened, it has been a catastrophe," he said.

The case marked a sobering chapter for the entertainer, whose larger-than-life personality once defined a generation of reality television.

Despite expressing sympathy for Slimani's bereavements, District Judge Mark Jabbitt ruled against him. "It is inevitable that I will find the case proven," the judge stated.

He added that while he understood the emotional context, it did not excuse the decision to drive after drinking or taking medication without considering its effects.

Slimani was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a £600 fine, a £240 surcharge, and £620 in costs. He was also offered the opportunity to attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course, which could reduce his disqualification period if completed.

The case marked a sobering chapter for the entertainer, whose larger-than-life personality once defined a generation of reality television. However, now, he faces the consequences of a moment he himself described as a "catastrophe."