Will.I.Am is apparently furious at Cher Lloydfor comments she made about his BFF Cheryl Cole.

The influential Black Eyed Peas star has put his own money into helping the 17-year-old and has spokenhighly of herin the press, so he feels her latest comment – that she hasn’t heard from the Promise This star since The X Factor finished – was disrespectful.

Cher was quoted as saying: "Cheryl hasn't been on touch at all. She is more interested in becoming famous in the States. I've been left high and dry. I thought we were mates."

The comment prompted Cheryl’s spokesperson to clarify what is expected of judges, post-X Factor. "The judges do not continue to mentor the contestants after the show. They all have their own management teams who look after them."

Now, according to The Sun, Will.I.Am has asked her to apologise to Chezza. "Will called Cher to tell her that she has got too big for her boots," a source said. "He has put a lot of money and effort into recording new tracks for her. He can't work with an immature baby and won't support her if she throws it back in people's faces."

Cher’s debut album is due later this year. As well as Will.I.Am, the flame-haired starlet has worked with Lady GaGa’s hitmaker RedOne and hip-hop producers The Runners.