American Idol Dad Files Libel Lawsuit  9/27/06

American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino's dad has slapped a $10 million libel lawsuit on a publisher accused of spreading "malicious untruths" about him.

The singer inspired book firm Simon & Schuster to release Fantasia: Life is Not a Fairy Tale in 2005. It was subsequently made into a TV movie, starring the 2004 talent contest winner.

However, in papers filed yesterday (26SEP06) in US District Court in Manhattan, Joseph Barrino demands damages for allegations in the book he asks his daughter for money when she visits and put her musical career ahead of a proper education.

His lawyer Kendall Minter says, "The unfortunate publication of Fantasia's life story by Simon & Schuster seeks to capitalize on her American Idol success through disparaging certain members of her family.

"The lawsuit seeks to redress these wrongs and restore the integrity of the family members."

Although Fantasia is listed as the book's author, Joseph alleges her grandmother, Addie Collins, was the ghost writer.