Failed American Idol Warbler's Threats Not Idle: Files $120m Libel Suit

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An unsuccessful contestant on the 2002-2003 season of American Idol has filed a 45-page complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, including counts alleging libel, false light invasion of privacy and conspiracy to commit product disparagement, seeking $120 million in damages against two law firms and two television companies, American Lawyer reports.

The case, Corey D. Clark v. E! Entertainment Television, Inc. et al. (Case No. 3:13-cv-00058), was filed by the litigious crooner/contestant who was ousted from the competition during Idol's second season for not disclosing to the show's producers his previous criminal record involving a misdemeanor arrest. In 2005, Clark boasted of an affair with former LA Lakers dancer, singer and Idol judge Paula Abdul while he was an Idol contestant, which prompted an internal investigation by Fox undertaken by two law firms that are defendants in the present suit.

The internal probe concluded Clark's claim was unsubstantiated, and the not-always-easy-to-understand Abdul was succinct in denying a tryst with Clark. The plaintiff contends he was defamed by what the complaint labels a "sham investigation" by the two law firms. The plaintiff  is suing E! Entertainment because of a program aired in January 2012 entitled E! True Hollywood Story: Paula Abdul, that he alleges imputed he was a liar.

In his complaint, Clark alleges the defendants' actions prompted Bungalo Records to stop promoting his debut album and led to backup singers and dancers who were to accompany him on live performances bailing on him.  Clark has a $40 million suit pending against Viacom Intl. and MTV Networks Enterprises regarding their coverage of his Idol departure and Abdul allegations. He also is one of a group of former Idol contestants alleging the show engaged in racially discriminatory practices in a complaint brought before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Rather than audition for American Idol, Clark might have done better on So You Think You're a Comedian, because "TUOL"'s crack legal team believes when the litigation concludes, he can try out for The Biggest Loser.