10 Former 'American Idol' Contestants Sue Reality Show

posted in: Music News

American Idol, Fox’s TV talent show juggernaut, has become embroiled in one of the largest television-related lawsuits in recent memory. Ten former American Idol contestants from a variety of seasons are suing the hit show over claims they were unfairly booted from the show based on their race. They are each seeking $25 million in damages.

According to TMZ, the contestants have accused producers of conducting a “cruel and inhumane” scheme to exploit them for ratings by illegally digging through their personal backgrounds for material they could use to boost ratings on national tv.

The contestants participating in the lawsuit are Corey Clark (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (Season 2), Jacob John Smalley (Season 2), Donnie Williams (Season 3), Terrell Brittenum (Season 5), Derrell Brittenum (Season 5), Thomas Daniels (Season 6), Akron Watson (Season 6), Ju’Not Joyner (Season 8), and Chris Golightly (Season 9).

The lawyers representing the contestants claim that the show used various elements from their clients’ backgrounds, including arrest records, to portray them in a negative light. In fact, they claim none of the contestants were ever even convicted of the charges mentioned, and that the only people who were ever probed in this way were all black.

The 10 are suing for discrimination and other alleged misdeeds. They also want Idol to adopt new anti-racism regulations.

Reps for FOX and FremantleMedia had no comment.