'American Idol' contestant sues show for ear injury

Michael Simeon Smith, “American Idol” contestant, claims that while he was getting ready to perform for the show on Dec. 12, he was fitted for an earpiece in his right ear, along with silicone or molding material. After that, he immediately felt pain. The audiologist’s representative pulled it out and a portion of his eardrum was accidentally removed. Blood came out of his ear so he was moved to another room for several hours.

Smith is suing the Idol producers for the said incident. He alleges in his lawsuit that he suffered major ear damage when a bizarre onset accident pulled out part of his eardrum. "Plaintiff has sought medical treatment for his injuries, including right tympanoplasty. Plaintiff has been unable to perform music at the same level as prior to the incident, due to the absence of much of his eardrum," his lawsuit stated.

In a report by Variety, it mentioned that Fox Broadcasting Co is named as a defendant, along with production companies behind the show and the audiologist’s rep. The claims of Smith include negligence and product liability. The lawsuit seeks unspecific damages. At this time, the network hasn't offered an official response.

Smith is a contestant on the 14th season of the show. He uses the stage name Michael Simeon. He made it to the top 24 contestants on the show. It was judged by Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr.

This year, it was “American Idol” production company 19 Entertainment who did the suing. The company sued former winner Phillip Phillips with a lawsuit claiming that the entertainer needed to return over a ton of money due to broken contract agreements and other breaches.

The farewell season was premiered on the Fox television network on Jan. 6 and ended on April 7.