AMERICAN IDOL - STUDDARD SUES GODFATHER

AMERICAN IDOL victor RUBEN STUDDARD has filed a lawsuit against his godfather and former business adviser, accusing him of withdrawing his cash without permission.

A lawyer for the singer has slapped RONALD EDWARDS with a suit alleging that Edwards withdrew cheques that add up to $90,000 (GBP47,368) from Studdard's account, ran up big charges on his credit cards and misused $246,000 (GBP129,473) without getting Studdard's permission, reports MTV.COM.

The suit is asking for unspecified damages.

Edwards' attorney says that his client came to the aid of Studdard when the American Idol contest starting heating up in 2003 and had power of attorney to help Studdard by paying his rent and mobile phone bills as well as his accountant.

The next step for Edwards in the battle against his godson will come in the form of a counterclaim, which his attorney says will be filed next week (ends18MAR05).