Post by XxXPaulaLiveLoveDanceXxX on Jul 28, 2005 15:25:44 GMT -5
Joanna showed me this...and...here it is
Abdul Will Judge Idol If Investigation Lags Past Aug. 18
July 28, 2005
By John Consoli
Fox entertainment president Peter Liguori told the Television Critics Association today that if the independent counsel hired to investigate Paul Abdul's alleged sexual conduct with former American Idol contestant Corey Clark is not finished with his investigation by August 18 when the show begins auditioning contestants, that Abdul will be back as a judge.
A lion's share of the questions directed at Liguori during the executive session of the Fox portion of the TCA summer press tour, were regarding the Abdul/American Idol investigation.
Liguori said until a final determination is made by the independent counsel, Abdul "will continue to report for work" on the show, adding, "The audience loves Paula. She continues to get online support. Her supporters light up our switchboard. We have nothing right now that says she shouldn't report for work."
But Liguori said Fox takes any allegations against American Idol "very seriously," and said the network wants to do the most thorough investigation possible. "We have sat down with Paula, and Corey. We will come to you [the press] once a conclusion is reached. The credibility of that competition is important to us and we will do everything to maintain the integrity of the show."
Liguori was asked beyond the allegations with Clark outside of the show, whether some of her conduct on the show was proper. For example, her tendency to leave her judges seat to console the parents of certain contestants who are voted off the show. "My readers have raised questions about that," one TV critic said.
Liguori said he thought Abdul's compassion was good for the show, and saidthat at that point in the show, it is the public, not the judges who vote on whether the contestants advance. "We recognize that it is America that votes, but having said that, the credibility of the show is still most important."
Liguori said there is no timetable for completion of the investigation.
Abdul Will Judge Idol If Investigation Lags Past Aug. 18
July 28, 2005
By John Consoli
Fox entertainment president Peter Liguori told the Television Critics Association today that if the independent counsel hired to investigate Paul Abdul's alleged sexual conduct with former American Idol contestant Corey Clark is not finished with his investigation by August 18 when the show begins auditioning contestants, that Abdul will be back as a judge.
A lion's share of the questions directed at Liguori during the executive session of the Fox portion of the TCA summer press tour, were regarding the Abdul/American Idol investigation.
Liguori said until a final determination is made by the independent counsel, Abdul "will continue to report for work" on the show, adding, "The audience loves Paula. She continues to get online support. Her supporters light up our switchboard. We have nothing right now that says she shouldn't report for work."
But Liguori said Fox takes any allegations against American Idol "very seriously," and said the network wants to do the most thorough investigation possible. "We have sat down with Paula, and Corey. We will come to you [the press] once a conclusion is reached. The credibility of that competition is important to us and we will do everything to maintain the integrity of the show."
Liguori was asked beyond the allegations with Clark outside of the show, whether some of her conduct on the show was proper. For example, her tendency to leave her judges seat to console the parents of certain contestants who are voted off the show. "My readers have raised questions about that," one TV critic said.
Liguori said he thought Abdul's compassion was good for the show, and saidthat at that point in the show, it is the public, not the judges who vote on whether the contestants advance. "We recognize that it is America that votes, but having said that, the credibility of the show is still most important."
Liguori said there is no timetable for completion of the investigation.
