Counsel Probing Paula Abdul's Alleged Affair With American Idol Loser  7/29/05

Bosses of American Idol have hired an independent counsel to probe claims that judge Paula Abdul had an affair with a contestant on the hit talent show.

Fox Entertainment president Peter Liguori, who says that the competition's credibility is "extraordinarily important" to the company, refuses to say if Fox and producers Fremantle Media and 19 Television will fire Abdul if the claims by Corey Clark, an ousted contestant, are found to be true.

He says, "Any allegations against this show we take quite seriously."

The probe's results will soon be made public, declares Liguori, who adds that Abdul, Clark and "corroborating witnesses" have been questioned.

Clark claims Abdul advised him on his singing and appearance during their alleged relationship. In the past, Abdul has denied the allegations.

Although auditions for the fifth season are looming in August (05), Liguori insists the investigation will not be rushed, despite uncertainty over Abdul's continued role in the show.

He notes, "I'd rather be able to come to a conclusion with the independent counsel and our production partners and come out with a definitive answer and conclusion for (the public), rather than race to have a conclusion before production starts."

Clark was dumped from American Idol in 2003 because he failed to reveal a prior arrest.