A former ‘American Idol’ contestant is attempting to sue bosses for discrimination for a third time, withdrawing a £66 million complaint to ask for just £3.3 million. Ian Benardo, who failed his audition when he tried out for the talent show in 2006, originally filed a £200 million lawsuit against producers, claiming they “exploited” his homosexuality by asking him to “gay it up”.
He reduced his demand to £66 million when he re-filed papers in September but the lawsuit was dismissed. But Benardo isn’t giving up his fight – on Friday he submitted another lawsuit in federal court, citing discrimination and requesting £3.3 million from TV executives. The wannabe singer shocked audiences when he stormed the stage during the competition’s live 2010 TV finale, grabbing the microphone from comedian Dane Cook to shout at judge Simon Cowell.
He later alleged Idol bosses had invited him to the special and put him up to the stunt.
