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Man files complaint over 'Idol' rulesCompiled from Times wires© St. Petersburg Times published January 21, 2003 The hit television series American Idol violated antidiscrimination laws when its producers wouldn't let a 50-year-old college professor audition because he was too old, his attorney, Frederick Kramer, said Monday. Drew Cummings, a visiting professor of film and television at Miami-Dade Community College, said he was turned away from a Nov. 2 tryout in Miami Beach because the Fox show's rules say auditioners cannot be older than 24. He has filed complaints with the state and federal agencies that enforce antidiscrimination laws. "I find it hard to believe that age plays a part in determining the next American Idol," Cummings said in a statement. Kramer said state and federal officials have 180 days to review Cummings' charges. He could then file suit. Concert in honor of Mandela canceledA huge fundraising concert to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela featuring performances from Bono, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Sting, Queen and Elton John has been called off, reports Ananova.com. The show was to have taken place Feb. 2 at Mandela's former prison, Robben Island, in South Africa. But organizers were left reeling when one of the major sponsors, Deutsche Bank, pulled out, according to South Africa's Mail & Guardian, leaving too little time to find a replacement. The Nelson Mandela Foundation, which was overseeing the show, has now decided to pull the plug.
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From the wire |
