Fox and producers of "American Idol" are investigating a former contestant's claim of a relationship with judge Paula Abdul.
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ABC News reported Wednesday Corey Clark, a contestant in 2003, said Abdul coached him on his presentation and initiated a sexual relationship with him. Appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday, Clark said he would not cooperate with Fox's investigation.
Fox Broadcasting, Freemantlemedia and 19 Entertainment -- the producers of "American Idol" -- issued a joint statement Thursday expressing "concerns about the motives behind last night's purported news special." The statement said the ABC report was "filled with rumor, speculation and assertions from a disqualified contestant" and noted Clark admitted during the special he had told lies.
"Regardless, we are absolutely committed to the fairness of this competition," said the statement. "We take any accusations of this nature very seriously, no matter their source, and we have already begun looking into them."