Another Sign Of The Decline Of American Civilization: American Idol

Cowell Denies Disrespecting Va. Tech

An annoyed look from "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell as a contestant expressed sadness over the Virginia Tech shootings was drastically misinterpreted, Cowell and the show said Wednesday.

The Fox show went into damage control Wednesday, with Cowell — known for his acerbic comments — and a series producer denying that he had heard what Richardson said.

Instead, he was talking to Abdul about Richardson's contention that he deliberately sang "Mayberry" in a nasal tone, Cowell told "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest on Seacrest's radio show Wednesday.

Full A.P. wire service story, SF Chronicle, April 18, 2007

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Is this what it's come down to? Simon Cowell as the symbol of American empathy? If our new Icon doesn't weep on command with us, He must be Dethroned and burned at the stake?

Give me a f*****g break.

TLC