Former 'American Idol' contestant arrested for alleged sex with minor
What's the story
Randy Madden, a contestant on the reality singing competition American Idol back in Season 8, has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a minor. The 45-year-old faces six felony charges, including unlawful sexual intercourse and oral copulation of someone under 18. He is also accused of sending harmful matter and luring or dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, according to TMZ.
Details
Madden has pleaded not guilty to the charges
The charges against Madden are reportedly linked to at least one sexual encounter that allegedly occurred between July and September this year. The age of the victim has not been disclosed. Madden has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was taken into custody with assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He posted a $1,00,000 bond on Tuesday and was released from jail thereafter.
Background
Madden's 'American Idol' audition
Madden is remembered by American Idol fans for his memorable Season 8 audition in 2009. He performed Bon Jovi's Livin' On a Prayer in Phoenix, but all four judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi, voted against him, thus ending his journey. That year, Kris Allen won the competition after competing against Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey.
Health issues
He was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident in 2023
Madden's Instagram bio currently has a GoFundMe link where he seeks help with "living expenses, Rent, Utilities, Gas, etc." The campaign states that he can't walk without crutches or a cane due to a "horrific motorcycle accident caused by brake failure" in September 2023. In a June 18 update, Madden wrote about having seven surgeries and needing two more to repair his leg.