Former X Factor star and choreographer Brian Friedman has left fans in shock after undergoing a gruesome cosmetic procedure that drastically altered his appearance, making him look almost unrecognisable in a viral video.
Painful Procedure Captured on TikTok
Brian Friedman, who served as a judge on X Factor in 2007, shared a distressing clip on TikTok where he documented his Pro-Fractional Laser Treatment. In the video, he humorously referred to it as a "build a b**** workshop" but was heard shouting in pain during the process.
He asked the camera, "Am I pretty?" while complaining about discomfort, stating, "I can't open my mouth, I feel like there is a jellyfish in my mouth." His eyes seemed to roll back as he added, "It's so hot right now..."
What Is Pro-Fractional Laser Treatment?
The treatment involves a laser that fires microscopic beams into the skin to create controlled injuries, prompting the body to repair the damage and generate new skin cells. This procedure aims to make the skin appear tighter and smoother.
After the treatment, Brian showcased the results, asking viewers, "Does my face look like a baby's ass yet?" The video also marked the first time he revealed his new bleached blond hair, a stark contrast to his previous shaved head look from his X Factor days.
Brian Friedman's X Factor Career and Beyond
Brian joined X Factor in 2007 as a replacement judge for Louis Walsh, working alongside Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Dannii Minogue. After Louis returned, Simon created a new onscreen role for Brian, transitioning him to work with contestants behind the scenes.
He left the show in 2010 to work on the American version before returning to the UK edition in 2014. Prior to X Factor, Brian was a highly sought-after choreographer, collaborating with artists like Britney Spears on music videos such as "Toxic" and "I'm A Slave 4 U," as well as with NSYNC and Prince.
Recent Comeback and Personal Insights
After appearing to retire for several years, Brian made a comeback in 2025, featuring in Lady Gaga's music video for "Abracadabra." In 2021, he opened up about his friendship with Britney Spears, expressing frustration over her conservatorship.
On ITV's Lorraine, he reminisced, "We go back to 1999 in the beginning of her career. [She was] joyful... I think that was the best years, some of the best years I had as a performer." He criticised the conservatorship, saying, "If she’s able to perform on stage and do a show and make all this money, she should be rewarded the basic luxuries of life."
Brian highlighted the difficulties in contacting Britney, noting, "I haven’t been in a room alone with her since the early 2000s. It's virtually impossible."
