Paula Abdul told followers about a not to pleasant experience with the paparazzi moments ago on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul). Check out pictures of the incident at bauergriffinonline.com. The former ‘American Idol’ judge writes:

Lunch today was paparazzi madness but it didn’t end there – they followed me 2 my chiropractor appt and was bombarded in the parking lot!

Correction – I was accosted in an underground parking lot with my chiropractor running interference!

And it didn’t end there! Thank god for my friend officer Mike who stopped traffic to assist in the great escape

Paula Abdul arrived at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank on Friday (August 7), where the former ‘American Idol’ judge was greeted by fans. Abdul seemed to stay in good spirits while an airport cop ticketed her driver, despite her efforts to dissuade him.

The photo provided by Bauer-Griffin has since been removed.

Paula Abdul checked in with fans on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul), talking about medical issues with her beloved Chihuahua Tulip. The former ‘American Idol’ judge writes:

Had 2 take Tulip 2 the animal hospital =( something’s wrong with her hindlegs and she cant walk-hopefully just arthritis but still painful!

It looks like Tulip has some ligament problems- she had tests done today and should know more Monday!

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend and I want to let you know that not a day goes by where ur love, kindness and support is unnoticed!

Paula Abdul reacted to a blog by ‘American Idol’ alum Melinda Doolittle regarding Paula’s departure from the hit FOX show. “Thank you for being the heart of the show that changed my life,” Doolittle wrote at mdoolittlesblog.blogspot.com. “Thank you for understanding. Thank you for celebrating with me and crying with me. Thank you for being there.”

Abdul wrote on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul) earlier today:

Melinda, what you posted about me on your blog mdoolittlesblog.blog… brought me to tears, which my make-up artist didn’t appreciate since I was seconds away from filming a scene on the TV show Drop Dead Diva, having said that I soo appreciate your reflection of your experience with me and paying me such honor & respect. I love you Melinda and I am so proud of what you are achieving!

Paula Abdul just updated fans on her status at ‘American Idol’ on her Twitter (@PaulaAbdul), announcing that she’ll be leaving the hit FOX reality singing competition as a judge. Abdul writes:

With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to ‘Idol’. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all, being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.

Update: FOX television issued the following statement regarding Paula’s departure:

Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.

Paula Abdul’s manager David Sonenberg is claiming the 47-year-old will likely not be returning as a judge on ‘American Idol’ when the hit FOX show resumes for a ninth season with auditions beginning August 6th. “Very sadly, it does not appear that she’s going to be back on ‘Idol’,” Sonenberg told the Los Angeles Times. “I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that ['Idol' production companies Fremantle and 19 Entertainment] haven’t stepped up and said what they want to do.”