Ten former American Idol contestants have decided to come together and sure the Fox singing competition’s producers over alleged racism. They are all seeking $25 million each.
The story of the suit began in January when TMZ reported that the contestants, represented by New York attorney James H. Freeman, had filed a request to sue Idol over a “cruel and inhumane” plot against black contestants to drive up ratings.
Freeman added that Fox have been promoting “destructive stereotypes” on the show and “NEVER once publicly disqualified a white or non-black American Idol contestant in the history of the eleven season production.”
He claimed that the plot starts the moment they ask a contestant about their criminal record and that the show uses these details to paint them as “violent criminals, liars and sexual deviants” on the show.
On Thursday, TMZ reported that the group has filed their lawsuit and are all asking for $25 million each. They also want to see Idol institute anti-racism measures.
According to EW, Freeman would not provide a comment on the suit and Idol’s producers also offered no comment.
The former contestants named as plaintiffs in the suit 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).
image: Fox