American Idol judge Paula Abdul has spoken out about reports of backstage scandal on the hit TV talent show.
The ABC network is planning to screen a TV documentary on "explosive claims about behind-the-scenes activities".
Contestant Corey Clark, who was dropped from the show for failing to disclose a criminal charge in 2003, has reportedly said he had an affair with Abdul.
She described his claims as "false statements" and said he was an "admitted liar and opportunist".
'Unlawful activities'
"Paula Abdul will not dignify the false statements made by Corey Clark with a response," her statement said.
But it added: "Mr Clark is an admitted liar and opportunist who engages in unlawful activities.
"He is communicating lies about Paula Abdul in order to generate interest in a book deal."
The ABC special, Fallen Idol, is scheduled for broadcast on 4 May but the network has not revealed details of its contents.
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