According to
TMZ, nine former American Idol contestants are asking permission of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to sue American Idol and Fox. Their attorney says that all nine were forced off the show because they are black and that no person who is not of color has ever been forced off the show. The lawyer goes on to say that all were thrown off because of their arrest records which they failed to disclose when they auditioned but were subsequently discovered by investigators and that the producers should not be allowed to ask about that kind of stuff. Also, that the accused were thrown off to get maximum ratings for the show. Is Idol racist? There have been a lot of lily white singers, but there have also been a large number of people of color including those who have won. Idol does not kick you off if you have been arrested. They kick you off if you don't tell them because they don't want to look like idiots and then feel they can't trust you.
If you don't divulge that you've been arrested, they kick you off. Period. That's a bunch of malarkey.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday CdaNers!
ReplyDeleteHope everyone has a great weekend.
*I got nothing on this one. Seems too much like fighting and I'm ready for a Lotta Colada Dia Papaya cocktail!!!*
So early in the morning dia! Who am I kidding? That never stopped anyone before!
ReplyDeleteThe orange skin on Ryan with streaky highlights is making my day right about now.
Puhleeze.
ReplyDeleteAlso that pic is terrifying- please tell me that's his wax statue...
Didn't that girl get booted bc she knew Ryan?
ReplyDeleteIf you lie on your resume and are caught you can be fired. It seems like the same situation here. They failed to disclose information which was found out so I don't see how they have a case against AI. Things like this distract from real cases of racism and discrimination.
ReplyDeleteOh, the humanity!
ReplyDeleteJust want to say Happy Friday to my fellow CDANers! Also, that picture of Seacrest is priceless!
ReplyDeleteTalk about making something of nothing. AI is a lot of annoying things, but I don't believe racism is one of them.
ReplyDeleteOh, and pass me one of those adult beverages. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteExactly what smiley said. If I falsify my employment application..whoop I get fired. The showing is giving away the opportunity to earn millions. I'm sure the agreements they sign indicate the consequences of not fully disclosing things.
ReplyDeleteAnd ditto FSP!
I would say no, you did not disclose the information and it was found out. Same thing happens in job interviews all the time.
ReplyDeleteI also would not call 3 out of 11 a large number, 25% does not a majority make.
But but I still would not say they are racist, just disagree on Enty with his statement that there have also been a large number of people of color including those who have won.
This is the key:
ReplyDeleteDo we know of cases of pasty white contestants who have not disclosed previous arrests, and then been kicked off the show?
If we do, there's a case, and racism seems likely.
If not, not.
A news article said that it is against California Employment Law policy to ask if you have been arrested, so I don't know why American Idol would think it is an exception to that rule.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it said that none of the contestants had ever been convicted, only arrested.
This is exactly the key! Even as contestants, AI is still held to CA labor codes/laws.
DeleteAt the end of the day the one key component that'll kill AI's claims of no wrong doing is the simple fact that between the first auditions and the Hollywood round contestants are completely vetted and background cheeks, including criminal checks, are done. AI chose to hold on to information for the final round and wold announce that "contestant x" would not be coming back because of a previous arrest.
AI is so played out - if they brought back Community Auditions, which is a local talent show played on a Sunday morning, I would rather watch that!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!! Not ready for the adult beverage just yet - maybe around 4:00, just in time for the weekend to begin :) Cheers!
@ Roman - I love it, re the Community Auditions. I grew up in San Antonio, and I was just thinking about this yesterday, no joke - we had a local talent show called En Mi Barrio that was on tv. I loved that show - and it had a catchy jingle, too - En Mi Barrio, San Antonio es mi barrio. Way better than AI.
DeleteI thought the winners were based on the public voting? Are they gong to sue the public for racism?
ReplyDeleteFrivolous lawsuit. Stop wasting taxpayer money. Margaritas for everyone!! Happy Friday everyone!
ReplyDeleteI think the racism started long before they got to American Idol, if 9 individual black guys got arrested and not convicted.
ReplyDeleteThat picture!Omg! It's scaring me! I detest the Oompa Loompa look that seems to be popular. Why?!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day before the weekend, people! Here to get my humor and snark before I put on my tin foil hat for the b/f's Mom.
OMG, the mother-in-law equivalent is coming for a visit? I will pray, light candles, and throw back a shot in your honor immediately.
DeleteReeses, I'll throw in a couple of Nag Champa incense sticks :)
DeleteI didn't know Ryan worked in Willy Wonka's factory.
ReplyDeleteweren't those twins (white) kicked off because of their arrest records?
ReplyDeleteIdol has kicked off a few people because of their past records. Black or white, they seem to want a squeaky clean image for the public.
ReplyDelete@lotta - it's noon somewhere!!!
ReplyDeleteThis post seems like the perfect kindling for starting a race fight. I'm too tired for an all out fight today. Rather spread some joy and sunshine.
Brunch will be here soon - mimosas and @timebob's drink. Can't remember what it's called.
I think it was a Bellini.... @Timebob share it with us again!
DeleteHey Lotta, why the Avi change? Did I miss something again? Work keeps interfering with gossip time...
DeleteDia it was inspired by the Your Turn enty did on Wed. Things you don't do.... Take up two parking spaces!!! Drives me insane I tell ya.
DeleteYES! A huge pet peeve!!!
Delete@morning boozers-Bellini is sparkling wine with peach purée instead of OJ. I prefer prosecco in mine. Try a snow day too (invented out of necessity & delish): 3-4 oz sparkling wine, 2 oz OJ or OJ/pineapple, 1 oz Pom juice. Uh huh.
DeleteDia I will have a Bloody Mary thanks, lots of Tabasco
DeleteIm more concerned about Ryan's tan in the pic!
ReplyDeleteJust here for the pic! Ryan looks absolutely terrifying here. Wax statue indeed. Why do these people think this is even remotely attractive? With those too-white teeth, he looks completely fake.
ReplyDeleteWhat I read was that one guy had fully disclosed his arrest records and they said it was fine then used it as a ratings ploy later after he thought he had a shot. That's rather cruel.
ReplyDeletetimebob to the rescue! yes it was the bellini, it is champagne/sparkling wine with peach juice or puree...and enjoy!
ReplyDeletehttp://cocktails.about.com/od/atozcocktailrecipes/r/blni_cktl.htm
Thank you Mayor! Happy Friday :)
DeleteThank you for the link timebob!
DeleteThe race card again? What people won't do for thirty more seconds of fame.
ReplyDeleteIt's also a talent show; not a job application. Isn't there a difference?
I wish I sidnt have to work today a mimosa or bellini sounds heavenly.
ReplyDeleteTimebob my favourite way to make a bellini is a white flesh peach (in season) peeled and then mash into the bottom of the glass, pour bubbles over. Delicious! Ryan looks like a ken doll that got too close to the floor heater
@ Frufa, our local show also had a catchy tune that I still remember too!! It was so cheesy but at least it was the real deal!!!
ReplyDeleteHere's the jingle;
Star of the day, who will it be? Your vote will hold the key,
It's up to you, to tell us who, will be star of the day!!
So corny but lots of laughs - I am sure Agent It would remember this show??
Roman, community auditions with Dave Maynard?
DeleteHappy Friday!
ReplyDeleteHA! What a picture of Ryan!
Has anyone been kicked off for being orange?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been kicked off for being orange?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been kicked off for being orange?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been kicked off for being orange?
ReplyDeleteWhaaa Dia and Lotta I have given up drinking, why must your cocktails be so delicious! I must resist!
ReplyDeleteI have zero sympathy for these people, if you lie on your application of course there will be consequences. I get why they ask for criminal record, they don't want a convicted toddler rapist taking the stage and winning the competition. OR someone with a violent past, you never know what could happen.
Dee FTW!
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day the one key component that'll kill AI's claims of no wrong doing is the simple fact that between the first auditions and the Hollywood round contestants are completely vetted and background cheeks, including criminal checks, are done. AI chose to hold on to information for the final round and wold announce that "contestant x" would not be coming back because of a previous arrest.
ReplyDeletewcn 12, has that policy existed since the start of the show?
DeleteHas anyone seen Wallace and gromit? Seacrest is looking extra big toothy clay-mationy here. Damn
ReplyDelete@ Agent, yes! I think he just recently passed away :(
ReplyDeleteRoman, I still have his cook book which my Mom gave me for Christmas a long time ago.
DeleteNellie gaah I hate Wallace and Gromit! Only because as a child I was forced to watch their movies allll the time when I would have much rather been watching Hey, Arnold! and Doug.
ReplyDeleteCan they arrest the person that colored Ryan orange? Or the person who thought the look in this picture was a good idea?
ReplyDeleteI need a bellini right now..But I'm jonesing for the fresh white peaches. YUM..Oh wait, I have some canned peaches I made this past summer.
If what Whocares says is accurate then you wonder why they wait so long to let them go.
There's a big difference between being arrested and being convicted. I can see not having to reveal you've been arrested, but having to reveal being convicted.
ReplyDeletewtf? Seacrest looks like Rod Stewart here!
ReplyDeleteOMG! That picture should be used to scare people away from tanning beds! That's scary!
ReplyDeletebuncha bullshit
ReplyDeleteHe looks like son of tanning mom.
ReplyDeleteSo, what race is Ryan Seacrest anyway?! Oompa Loompa?!
ReplyDeleteThey're claiming they were applying for a job. They weren't. And saying that Idol discriminated by humiliating them? Have they ever watched the show? They'll humiliate anyone to create more drama!
ReplyDeleteThe girl that lived in a tent was kicked off for her record, she was white.
ReplyDeletehttp://business.time.com/2012/01/25/early-american-idol-favorite-calls-tent-home/