The video – which was filmed while the boys were in Peru – caused uproar among parents and fans alike, but the 54-year-old is standing by his band.
Speaking earlier, the dad-of-one praised their work ethic and said he hoped the fans would stay by them during this time.
“I’ve worked with a lot of artists who do lose the plot and do lose respect for their fans and forget who took them there, but they’ve never done that. They really do love their fans. “I hope the fans stay loyal.”
Speaking to 3am, at the Health Lottery Tea Party at The Savoy hotel in London, Simon refused to divulge details of conversations he had with the boys following the incident but said despite everything, they hadn’t changed, saying:
“It’s a private matter I don’t want to go into. They are the hardest working boys I’ve ever worked with. They haven’t changed. They’re great British exports.”