Cheryl Cole and X-Factor USA; PR stunt or victim of TV bosses hasty decisions?

Simon's grin was photo-shopped onto this photo. 

I'm not sure that we'll ever know the real story behind Cheryl Cole's supposed exit and re-hiring as a judge on X-Factor USA.  Was it a PR stunt, as some people are suggesting?  It seems unlikely because Cheryl has been in the firing line of some highly critical press since the story ran.  Mocking her fashion sense, her accent and suggesting that she lacks 'chemistry'.  Cheryl seemed to be unstoppable before this began. 

The lack of any official press releases has been quite frustrating. 

What do you think?

UPDATE: Cheryl's not been re-hired.  Simon Cowell's spoke to press.  Cheryl's still silent.