10 black ex-`American Idol` contestants suing show for racism

Washington: Ten former contestants of Fox`s hit talent series `American Idol` are taking the show to court for a minimum of 25 million dollars each, claiming that they were unfairly booted because of their race. According to TMZ.com, the contestants has accused the producers of the programme of carrying out a "cruel and inhumane" scheme by using them for ratings by unlawfully digging up their arrest histories and using the records to humiliate them on national TV. The 10 contestants involved in the suit are: Corey Clark (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (Season 2), Jacob John Smalley (Season 2), Donnie Williams (Season 3), Terrell Brittenum (Season 5), Derrell Brittenum (Season 5), Thomas Daniels (Season 6), Akron Watson (Season 6), Ju`Not Joyner (Season 8), and Chris Golightly (Season 9). Their lawyer claims that the famous show used the arrest info to make his clients appear to be "violent criminals, liars and sexual deviants". The advocate asserted that no white people were ever questioned about alleged criminal pasts. The alleged victims have also claimed that their lives have been ruined by the show`s racist portrayals. The 10 are suing for discrimination and other alleged misdeeds. They also wish that the show adopts new anti-racism regulations. ANI