Former American Idol Contestants Claiming Race Discrimination on the show

[Tim from Springfield IL]

Ten former "American Idol" contestants from Seasons 2-9 are seeking $25 million each in damages claiming mistreatment and undue disqualification from the show because of race.

Story from Radio.com:

http://news.radio.com/2013/07/26/fo...gainst-the-show-citing-racial-discrimination/

 

[landtuna]

Be interesting to see what kind of "mistreatment" they are claiming. By all accounts I've seen those contestants are treated pretty well. Even the losers have commented how good they had it.

And by using audience voting how would anyone prove discrimination? AFAIK, voting is blind and there is no way for the show to know the race of the caller. I suppose if it could be proved that the phone totals didn't match what the show's producers used that would be considered but that isn't discrimination per se.

I'm thinking this might be a get rich quick scheme by some ambulance chaser to make a few bucks. I thought for this type of suit actual damages had to be presented. No way you'd convince most people each contestant could have earned $25M.

 

[PTBoardOp94]

And by using audience voting how would anyone prove discrimination? AFAIK, voting is blind and there is no way for the show to know the race of the caller.

Mr. Tuna didn't read the article. The plaintiffs were all kicked off the show, apparently after a background check was performed.

Now, whether the damages sought are excessive is a different story.

 

[landtuna]

Mr. Tuna didn't read the article. The plaintiffs were all kicked off the show, apparently after a background check was performed.

I'm very sure the producers got them all to sign a contract which, among other things, has a "morals" clause in it which says the individual can be kicked off for a variety of misconducts including lying on their application.

Since these people didn't actually make it to the competition I would not have considered them "contestants" but that is probably splitting hairs.

 

[Morgan Wick]

Mr. Tuna didn't read the article. The plaintiffs were all kicked off the show, apparently after a background check was performed.

I'm very sure the producers got them all to sign a contract which, among other things, has a "morals" clause in it which says the individual can be kicked off for a variety of misconducts including lying on their application.

It probably comes down to "it's easier to keep a clean rap sheet when you already have a lot of money, and also when the cops aren't already racially profiling you".

What has the racial balance generally been on Idol? I know at least two black chicks have won the thing...