Abdul cleared of American Idol slur

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has been cleared of allegations that she privately coached a contestant but was warned not to fraternise with the would-be stars in future.

Fox launched a much-publicised internal probe after former contestant Corey Clark, 25, claimed he was trained by Abdul after they engaged in a sexual relationship.

The investigation panel found “insufficient evidence” that her contact with Clark had any impact on the show.

“Paula Abdul, therefore, can continue as a judge on American Idol,” the network and series producers said in a statement.

But to prevent further scandal, they have implemented an “enhanced non fraternisation policy”.

The new rules are designed to prevent incidents that “could appear to call into question the relationship between judges, contestants or any others connected to American Idol”, they said.

American Idol, a spin-off of the UK’s Pop Idol, has proved a huge hit in the US, attracting record viewing figures and launching the careers of several singers.

Abdul appears as a judge alongside Simon Cowell and producer Randy Jackson.

“I’m grateful this ordeal is over, and I’m so looking forward to getting back to the job I love,” she said in a statement.