We all know that the producers of American Idol will try anything to grab ratings, but this latest allegation is a doozy. Nine former contestants are accusing the show of racism, saying they were forced off because producers thought too many contestants of color would turn off viewers.

New York attorney James H. Freeman has asked the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for permission to sue Idol and FOX on behalf of his clients -- which include Corey Clark, the season-two contestant who allegedly had an affair with Paula Abdul. Freeman notes that all nine of the hopefuls who've been disqualified publicly have been black -- and he smells a rat.

Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe tells TMZ, "We treat everybody the same...no matter the race, religion or sex. I think we've always had a fantastic share of talent from contestants both black and white... I don't think I've ever seen racism at the show."