Abdul: Idol producers ignored my stalker concerns
Abdul's worries about stalker appearing on American Idol were 'ignored'
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Wednesday, 10, Dec 2008 03:15
American Idol judge Paula Abdul has said her worries about an obsessive fan appearing on the talent show were ignored by its producers.
Paula Goodspeed, who auditioned on series five of the hit US talent show, was discovered in a parked car near Abdul's Los Angeles home last month.
It is believed she was infatuated with Abdul and her body was discovered alongside prescription drugs, CDs and pictures of the American Idol judge.
Speaking to Barbara Walters' radio show in the US, Abdul said she had asked the American Idol production team not to allow Ms Goodspeed to appear on the Fox programme.
She revealed Ms Goodspeed had sent her "disturbing letters" for almost 18 years, causing the 80s pop star to seek a restraining order.
"I said: 'This girl is a stalker of mine. Please do not let her in.' Everyone knew. I was shaking."
But the producers did not address her concerns, citing the potential "entertainment" value of allowing Ms Goodspeed to audition.
She performed Ike and Tina Turner's Proud Mary at her audition, telling show host Ryan Seacrest she made life-sized drawings of Abdul.
Her body was found in a car with the licence plate ABL LV - a possible abbreviation of Abdul Love - after her parents called the authorities expressing concern for her whereabouts.
When radio host Walters asked why Abdul had continued to appear on American Idol, despite being potentially put in danger, she replied: "Well, I'm under contract."