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"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul allegedly helped an "Idol" contestant prepare for the competition on the hit Fox series after she became involved in a sexual relationship him in 2003, ABC News is scheduled to report Wednesday on a special edition of newsmagazine "Primetime Live."

Fox responded Tuesday with a statement questioning the motives of the contestant, Corey Clark, for coming forward with his allegations, asserting that he is looking to exploit his involvement with the show for "profit and publicity." Abdul in a statement issued last week called Clark a "liar" and an "opportunist" who has been shopping a book on his experience on "Idol."


"We will, of course, look into any evidence of improper conduct that we receive," the Fox statement said. "Despite documented procedures and multiple opportunities for contestants to raise any concerns they may have, the producers of 'American Idol,' FremantleMedia, 19 Entertainment and Fox were never notified or contacted by Mr. Clark, nor presented any evidence concerning his claims."

Clark was a contestant on the 2003 edition of the top-rated series but was ejected from the competition for failing to disclose to producers a prior arrest that stemmed from a domestic dispute with his sister.

In a partial transcript of tonight's report released late Tuesday by ABC News, Clark tells "Primetime" co-anchor John Quinones that Abdul gave him behind-the-scenes coaching on his selection of songs, how to cut his hair and that she gave him money to buy expensive clothes at a crucial point for him in the competition.

According to ABC News, Clark and Abdul became friends after someone slipped Abdul's phone number to Clark backstage at "Idol," and that the two eventually became sexually involved.

Clark told "Primetime" that Abdul's assistance was akin to her "polishing off that dust ... off the dirty diamond and helping me shine a little bit."

Clark also told "Primetime" that more recently, Abdul urged him not to disclose their relationship or publicly discuss his experiences on "Idol." Clark told "Primetime" that he has recorded a song about the matter on his upcoming album, "Fallen Idol."

For now, Abdul is expected to remain status quo in her role as an "Idol" judge. The series is scheduled to wrap its fourth installment and crown a new winner during its May 24-25 finale. Martin Singer, a lawyer for Abdul, was not available for comment late Tuesday.