People News
Paula Abdul insists she has never been inebriated
By Stone Martindale Feb 14, 2007, 19:00 GMT
NEW YORK - Who do we believe, our own eyes, or what Paula Abdul's latest claim is, never having been drunk? Abdul's odd behavior on "American Idol" has prompted much discussion if there's a flask or "water bottle" nearby whilst she judges contestants on the Fox talent contest.
Abdul, the 44-year-old "Idol" judge tells Us Weekly magazine in its Feb. 16 issue. "I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs," she says. "Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying or doing drugs that could have done that."
In her five years on "Idol," Abdul a singer and choreographer has suffered criticism about her behavior, which has included slurred speech, and other visibly affected head rolling and eyes askew in interviews.
"There have been 100 million lies about me," says Abdul, who has said she's taken prescription medication for health problems, including arthritis. "I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything."
"I have never missed a live show," Abdul notes. "Even when I had surgery on my hand (for an infection caused by a botched manicure in 2004), I left my hospital bed to go to the show."
