Lythgoe: 'American Idol Not At Fault For Abdul's Stalker Ordeal'

During an interview with Barbara Walters on Monday (08Dec08), the reality show judge claimed producers on the programme allowed Paula Goodspeed to audition on three separate occasions, knowing she had stalked the star for 17 years.

Abdul also accused broadcaster Fox of shooting footage at her home, which effectively showed fans how to get access to the Sherman Oaks estate.

But Lythgoe denies the singer's pleas were ignored in an effort to boost ratings.

He tells Usmagazine.com, "I don't remember Paula Abdul ever saying, 'Don't bring this one or that one in.' But she says she did - I believe her.

"My point is, this young woman went through the audition process. None of us believed she posed any danger to Paula. Believe me, if we had, she wouldn't have been in the room.

"We had someone who was a very huge fan of Paula's, and (who) we thought Simon (Cowell) would have great fun with. That's all.

"This horrible thing happened outside her home. It's like she's saying, 'Don't blame me. It's not my fault.' And she's right. It's not anybody's fault. It's certainly not American Idol's fault.

"I don't know what goes through someone's head when they choose to commit suicide, but I believe this poor girl was going through a very sad period in her life. Now it should be left for the family to grieve."