(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Simon Cowell is "sorry" that he and Cheryl Cole are experiencing a serious communication rift.

Music mogul Simon and singer Cheryl have worked together for several years, including on the UK X Factor which Cheryl joined in 2008. In May of this year, Simon made the decision to axe Cheryl from the judging panel on the first season of the American edition of the show.

The pair have not been on speaking terms since. Simon is remorseful about his decision.

"No [I haven't spoken with Cheryl]; we have texted," Simon said to Life & Style magazine during The X Factor junket at the London Hotel in Los Angeles. "I am sorry the way it worked out as we were incredibly close."

Simon did not have any ulterior motives whilst making his decision. He finds the silent animosity that ensued a result sad, as promoting negativity was not his aim

"Trying to get her to understand what I did, it was never meant to be negative," said Simon. "It was a decision I thought was the right one, and I think she is more comfortable in England than I saw her here."

Although the pair are not on the best of terms, Simon has faith that their relationship will pull through. He believes that they shared too much camaraderie before the incident to call it quits entirely on their friendship.

"She is still grumpy with me," said Simon. "I can look myself in the mirror and say I wasn't being mean. I offered her a lot of money to go back as a hero, and it didn't work out. I think when you have the history we have, you'll eventually work it out."

The American version of The X Factor is scheduled to premiere in September. (C) Cover Media