Between the phone records, the answering machine message, the corroboration of the parents, the photos of them together, the detailed knowledge of Abdul's home and habits, I have very little doubt that SOMETHING interpersonal occurred between American Idol contestant Corey Clark and judge Paula Abdul back in '03, as he claimed last night on ABC's Primetime Live special.
However, Clark (and ABC) — who alleged that Abdul coached him on song selection, helped buy him clothes and style his hair, and initiated a sexual relationship — has cleverly left himself with an out for the inevitable next phase of the "scandal," which is an "investigation" by Fox of the allegations of improper conduct between the then-22 year old Clark and 40 year old Abdul, by stating today on Good Morning America that he will not aid Fox in their investigation, thereby letting Abdul off the hook and precluding the examination of any "hard evidence."
"I don't have any interest in helping American Idol out whatsoever, because they haven't helped me out whatsoever," Clark said. "They made it very hard for me to do what I'm doing, which is my career."
Should Abdul be kicked off the show? Clark was asked. "I don't know. I'm not attacking her at all. She just happens to be the key to getting this 900-pound gorilla off my back.
"I think they should look at what I was trying to say, which was that she risked so much to help me avoid the exploitation of the machine called American Idol," he said.
Aah, so he did it for the children.
Fox replied this morning in a statement. "We have concerns about the motives behind last night's purported news special, as much of it was filled with rumor, speculation and assertions from a disqualified contestant who admitted during the special to telling lies.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Ken
It's May sweeps period in television.
Never believe anything you see/hear during ratings months, especially when someone has a book coming out!
Don't be so gullible.
2 - Eric Olsen
I agree with your premise, but what am I being gullible about?
3 - MYNIPPON
While I have no problem with people having a relationship with anyone they want, but when relationship does go sour, what kind of ethics say that you should go public with all the juicy details and embarrass a public persona?
4 - Eric Olsen
situational ethics
5 - Anon
you're looking for ethics from the entertainment industry? you know you won't find anything, right?
6 - Eric Olsen
only as applies to image, and image is money
7 - linda
i think paula should be tossed on her fat butt.
she is rotten as a apple
she carried on and look at her with constanine crying like a idiot.
she better get off her high horse and stop trying to think she is so young.
if american idol wants to stay on get rid of her.
8 - Eric Olsen
Linda, why so negative against Paula? Yours is the first really negative reaction I've heard toward her about this
9 - Elaine
Corey Clark was one of my favorites on AI2. Now he disgusts me. His motives are obvious and IF what he says did indeed happen, he was an adult and apparently knew the help etc. being given him was wrong. He's nothing more than an opportunist and trying to boost sales of his book and cd. Hopefully he will fade into obscurity soon.
AI would not be the same without Paula. Should any of Coreys allegations be true, let AI deal with it.
As for Corey, I wouldn't be so proud if he were My son.
10 - Eric Olsen
well-put Elaine
11 - Kelly
PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION....
Paula left a message on his phone saying don't say anything to the press.she didn't know what it was regarding.
if she didn't know what it was regarding than why di she even call Corey?of all people why call him....this was before she even knew what the press wanted.
what is Corey doing that is so wrong...yes he is using it to promote his album,but the roof is there.Artists do things like to all the time.
12 - Eric Olsen
essentially he is kissing and telling for the sake of publicity - as I said, if he was going to do this, he was smart to not take it as far as cooperating with an investigation
13 - Mike
Actually here is not much proof at all.
Corey's friends and family have a vested interest so are not reliable witnesses.
The Sprint employee was not named or brought forward to substantiate the allegations that Paula bought him a phone.
He showed phone records for his home and that there were some long conversations. One can't assume the content of them or varify the caller.
None of the other contestants can figure out how he got out so late and often without security knowing about it.
Paula took him shopping in public to buy clothes, CDs and a haircut. They went to a nightclub too. Why is there nobody who can corroberate that aside from Corey's skeevy " friends"?
Corey has an ulterior motive and much to gain.
Last but not least is the body language. When answering truthfully, one looks up and to the left. Liars look down and to the right.
Case closed. hehehe
14 - g.v.naga
I think this is just publicity Corey is trying to get by using the public figure's name.
As for as Paula Abdul is concerned, should she be fired? this is upto Fox. I do think that there should be a complete investigation and then necessary action. Even if there is a hint of impropriety, then Paula should be fired.
Wouldn't you do the same to a college Professor, if there is a Professor involved?
15 - Eric Olsen
those are very salient points Mike, but I think we would have heard far more indignant and high-decibel support for Paula from Fox, etc etc if the show did't present an at least plausible case. But like I said, I think everyone onvolved is perfectly happy to let it slide from here and leave it in limbo.
16 - Mike
Well I did hear that AI wanted to let Paula go before the start of this current season but that she made some real concessions and took a cut in perks to keep her job. I think we would have heard far more indignant and high-decibel support for Paula from Fox if the show was planning to keep her. I think this is a convenient way to get rid of her..
17 - Eric Olsen
maybe so, but in the relative quiet of the off-season
18 - Elaine
There are two videos on this website in which Clay Aiken gives his take on the Corey/Paula story. When you access the website it will automatically scroll down. Scroll back up and watch the one taped in Raleigh and another after the GMA interview with Corey.
Interesting perspective and I'd put more faith in Clays opinion than anything Corey Clark might say.
19 - Eric Olsen
they are also likely gauging the level of support she gets from the public after this
20 - Elaine
Good point Mike. As far as Coreys looking down when making certain statements. Shades of Scott Peterson interviews....lol
21 - Mike
Yes, Eric! Scott Peterson is a perfect example.
I first noticed it when Susan Smith was pretending that her children were kidnapped and she was talking and crying to the media to " Please help me find my children". It was a gut feeling I had at the time that was later proved correct.
I watched the video clips and I agree, I'd believe Clay on this one.
22 - Eric Olsen
thanks for the link Elaine, very interesting
23 - Mike
Sorry, Elaine, I was thinking of something Eric said while replying to you.
Thanks for the clips.
24 - c moore
Corey Clark is THE NEW OMAROSA! He's whiney, he's back peddling, and he acts like a spoiled child. You can't have it both ways 'playa'.
25 - Eric Olsen
and he is trying to do that, isn't he? Good point, c!