American Idol to Be Sued for Racism By 9 Black Former Contestants

Nine black former "American Idol" contestants have accused American Idol of racism and are planning a lawsuit against the Fox reality show.

The nine contestants are Corey Clark (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (Season 2), Donnie Williams (Season 3), Terrell and Derrell Brittenum (Season 5), Thomas Daniels (Season 6), Akron Watson (Season 6), Ju'Not Joyner (Season 8) and Chris Golightly (Season 9).

Lawyer James H. Freeman has filed a letter, obtained by TMZ, seeking permission to sue Fox and the show on behalf of his nine clients.

In the letter, Freeman says producers have publicticly disqualified 10 total singers from the show and all of them have been African-American.

Freeman claims "Idol" has been conducting a "cruel and inhumane" scheme to exploit and humiliate black contestants for ratings.

The show's background check includes the question "Have you ever been arrested," which Freeman claims violates California employment law, since the contestants are essentially applying for "employment" with "American Idol."

Although seven of the nine contestants were booted due to legal issues, two were not, reported zap2it. And as for the claim that no white or non-black contestants have been publicly disqualified, zap2it cites, Delano Cagnolatti and Joanna Pacitti, who were disqualified in the semi-finals. Both of them are non-black contestants.

Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe said he was "shocked" by the "ridiculous" allegations.

FYI, three African-Americans -- Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino and Jordin Sparks have won the American Idol title over the years.

Photo: TMZ