Lythgoe: Rosie’s ‘Idol’ Claims ‘Absurd And Ridiculous’

‘American Idol’ executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has fired back at ‘The View’ co-host Rosie O’Donnell over her charge that the show has a problem with obese or non-white contestants because Antonella Barba isn’t getting the boot this year for racy pictures while Frenchie Davis did in season two for porn images. “Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O’Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that ‘American Idol’ is racist and/or weightist,” Lythgoe said in a statement. “Ms. O’Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that ‘American Idol’ constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color.”