SLIMETIME LIVE

ABC really scraped the bottom of the tabloid trash barrel last night. The "Fallen Idol" edition of Primetime Live was positively creepy. Sometimes, John Quiñones seemed like he was talking in the locker room with Corey Clark, not on network TV.

When Quiñones asked for details about the alleged sexual relationship between Clark and Paula Abdul, it was so sleazy.

Why would ABC News give Clark a forum to make unsubstantiated claims?

Isn't it odd that all of this comes out when he's releasing an album and writing a book?

Clark claims he came forward now because, "I need to set the record straight for myself.

"Unfortunately, I need to set the record straight for her too, because she was a part of it. This is me telling the truth. It just so happens to be a very explosive truth."

From American Idol's website:

STATEMENT FROM AMERICAN IDOL PRODUCERS

We have concerns about the motives behind last night's purported news special, as much of it was filled with rumor, speculation and assertions from a disqualified contestant who admitted during the special to telling lies. Regardless, we are absolutely committed to the fairness of this competition. We take any accusations of this nature very seriously, no matter their source, and we have already begun looking into them.

Despite documented procedures and multiple opportunities, as well as contractual requirements for contestants to raise any concerns, we were never notified or contacted by Mr. Clark or any other individual, nor presented any evidence concerning these claims.

Upon recently hearing rumors of Mr. Clark's claims, we contacted him and requested that he detail his accusations to us. That has yet to happen.

It should also be noted that the ultimate decision on which contestants move forward on "American Idol" has always been determined by the voting public. We have gone to great lengths and great expense to create a voting system that is fair and reliable. Judges may offer opinions, but viewers vote using their own subjective criteria; and it is the voters who ultimately determine each season's American Idol.
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If the allegations are true, while unseemly, they are irrelevant to the voting process the show uses. While other contestants may have legitimate gripes about favoritism, the public's involvement in the show and their enjoyment wasn't impacted in any way.

It's clear that Clark hopes to use this media attention for self-promotion.

It's also clear that ABC was willing to toss out its journalistic standards in order to score some big numbers in the ratings.

Clark and ABC should be more embarrassed by this whole matter than Paula Abdul or FOX.