Simon Cowell treats the women in his life like "queens", says a close friend.

The 52-year-old star has hit the headlines recently after revelations about his private life were publicised. He is believed to have branded his engagement to Mezghan Hussainy a "mistake" and referred to an affair with Dannii Minogue as a "few bonks".

While some critics have branded him a heartless cad, those close to Simon have defended him. One female pal insists he is a generous and thoughtful guy.

"People need to get a grip about this whole Simon fuss. I've been out with lots of men in my life and I can absolutely say that Simon is one of the best. It's very simple. He's not my boyfriend, I'm not his girlfriend, but we've known each other for years," the pal told the UK edition of Grazia. "There's lots of flirting, compliments and lovely holidays and gifts, but I don't want or expect anything more from him and he doesn't want anything more from me."

The unnamed female went on to reveal that the music mogul always splashes out on his loved ones. She claims that Simon is a great friend, and she accepts that his demanding career will always come first.

"I've been out to Barbados with Simon lots of times. From the moment you step off the plan, you are treated like a queen. He'll tell you to book yourself a day at the spa. If you fancy a designer dress to wear, he'll tell you to put it on his account," she explained. "He's witty, he's charming, very, very, sexy, but he's his own person. He's a smart guy, he's a businessman and I totally get it if we're on a yacht and something comes up and he can't make it, well that's because he's busy. So I'm on a yacht in the middle of the Indian Ocean. How lucky am I?"