XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX TUE APRIL 26, 2005 10:25:52 ET XXXXX
FOX LEGAL THREAT OVER ABCNEWS 'AMERICAN IDOL' EXPOS�
**Exclusive**
ABC has been warned in writing it could face legal fallout for airing its scathing behind-the-scenes look at FOX's AMERICAN IDOL, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
FOX owner Rupert Murdoch has informed executives that it appears ABC is attempting to maliciously "destroy" the nation's most-watched series as it heads into the final weeks.
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FOX believes ABC has interviewed a half a dozen losing contestants -- contestants who will claim AMERICAN IDOL producers and judges somehow manipulate the show's outcome!
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ABCNEWS is planning to air the PRIMETIME LIVE expos� next Wednesday. A May Sweeps mauling.
"We got all these ridiculous questions yesterday from an ABC producer," a top IDOL source tells the DRUDGE REPORT. "ABC can not beat us with programming, so they are attempting to bring us down with lies and false charges."
At the center of the questions, the IDOL source claims, are the actions of show judge Paula Abdul.
"[ABC] is trying to say Paula somehow cheats and picks favorite singers to nurture, in violation of some sort of network standards," the IDOL source, who demanded anonymity, explains.
Fellow Judge Simon Cowell will tell TV show EXTRA Tuesday evening: "Paula, to be fair to her, will spend more time backstage with the contestants giving encouragement and everything else.� But, that?s not a bad thing!"
Developing...
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Filed By Matt Drudge
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