MANILA, Philippines—Simon Cowell finally spoke up on the controversial video which saw two members of One Direction allegedly smoking marijuana.

In an interview with Digital Spy, the co-creator of the group said that the work ethic of the boys and their dedication to the fans have not wavered after the video leaked.

“What I can say is that they’re the hardest-working boys I’ve ever worked with,” Cowell said. “They still haven’t changed.

“They’re really respectful of their fans [and] they’re a great British export… they’ve been a joy to work with.

“I’ve worked with a lot of artists in the past who do lose the plot, who do lose respect for their fans, they’ve never done that,” the X-Factor judge added.

The band is signed under his recording label Syco Records. 

As for whether he had given advice to the boys, Simon declined to comment saying it was a “private matter.” He also said that he is constantly “on the phone all the time” with his talents.

The video, which was released by MailOnline last week, showed 1D member Zayn Malik smoking what looked like a “roll-up cigarette” being filmed by bandmate Louis Tomlinson while in Peru for a concert last April. 

The video got mixed reactions from fans worldwide with some defending them, while others criticized them.

Meanwhile, 1D member Liam Payne on Saturday apologized via his Twitter account, saying that boys of their age all do “stupid things.”

I love my boys and maybe things have gone a little sideways I apologise for that.We are only in our 20’s we all do stupid things at this age

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 31, 2014

We all have a lot of growing up to do in an extreme circumstance I’m not making excuse but it’s fact we are gunna fall short somewhere

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 31, 2014

The controversial video also caught the attention of Laban ng Pamilyang Pilipino, an anti-drug organization based in the Philippines.

They called for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to ensure that the group undergoes a drug test when they perform in the Philippines March 2015.  – Rappler.com