“American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe has slammed allegations of racism on his show following the threat of a lawsuit from former contestants.
New York attorney James H. Freeman has submitted a letter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission seeking permission to sue “American Idol” producers on behalf of his clients, nine black men who have previously auditioned for the program.
The nine performers associated with the potential suit are Corey Clark (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (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).
In the document obtained by TMZ, Freeman claims producers conducted a “cruel and inhumane” scheme to humiliate the contestants for ratings by making them audition and then disqualifying them due to their criminal records.
Freeman states the reality singing competition violated California employment laws which ban employers from asking potential employees about their arrest history. He claims it violates the employment law because the men were all seeking “employment” by landing a spot on “Idol.”
Freeman then claims this alleged tactic was racist and suggests the nine men’s “personal and professional lives remain permanently and severely impaired by (the show’s) continuing violations of our nation’s laws.”
“Idol” has had 3 African American winners since its inception: Ruben Studdard (Season 2), Fantasia Barrino (Season 3) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6).
Lythgoe was “shocked” by the accusations and insists the claims are “ridiculous.”
He told TMZ, “We treat everybody the same… no matter the race, religion or sex. I think we’ve always had a fantastic share of talent from contestants both black and white… I don’t think I’ve ever seen racism at the show.”
Freeman is reportedly filing a lawsuit once he receives the green light from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.