FOX hit "American Idol" is facing another scandal since the show's former contestant claimed that judge Paula Abdul had romantic relationships with him and was coaching him throughout the competition. 24-year-old Corey Clark, one of the 12 finalists during the second season of the reality show, said that Paula gave him money for expensive clothes and tips on how to look and what to sing.
The Kansas native, who was kicked off from "American Idol" in 2003 for failing to inform the show about the criminal charges he faced for battery and resisting arrest after a domestic dispute with his sister in October 2002, told ABC News "Primetime Live" on Wednesday that Abdul was the one who initiated the relations that later turned from platonic into sexual.
Abdul commented on the Clark's statement that he’s "an admitted liar and opportunist who engages in unlawful activities."
Abdul’s lawyer Martin Singer has reportedly sent a letter to ABC threatening the Walt Disney Co.-owned network with legal action.
42-year-old Abdul, a former Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, gained fame in the late 1980s as a pop singer.
The show, that is now in its 4th season, has been ranked the most-watched show in U.S. prime time, gathering nearly 28 millions viewers for its Tuesday night broadcast.
Corey Clark is currently recording his first album and writing a book. His parents confirmed to "Primetime Live" that their son told them about his romantic relationships with the 80s pop diva.
Meanwhile, according to ABC News, "Primetime" received the following statement from "American Idol":
"Despite documented procedures and multiple opportunities for contestants to raise any concerns they may have, the producers of 'American Idol,' FreemantleMedia, 19 Entertainment and FOX were never notified or contacted by Mr. Clark, nor presented any evidence concerning his claims.
"We will, of course, look into any evidence of improper conduct that we receive. In the meantime, we recommend that the public carefully examine Mr. Clark's motives, given his apparent desire to exploit his prior involvement with 'American Idol' for profit and publicity."