American Idol Hatemail Vol. 2

It all started with a harmless little article about Clay Aiken. Inadvertently, we sort of inferred he might be gay and we were flooded with the first batch of letters. When the second pile of hatemail started coming in, we took a different approach. We ignored them. But then after awhile we just couldn't help ourselves. We even had to bring in Shizzy, our resident email prankster, for the full treatment. It's a lot of reading, so kick back and enjoy.

I'm actually rather aggrieved that you choose to demean Clay fan's in such a way as describing them a morons or idiots. I must agree with one woman's letter that you are indeed insecure and in particular UnChristian. You know that Clay is a Baptist Christian and there is a strong belief as well as doctrine against homosexual behavior. But it doesn't matter what you think in regards to this. The sad thing is you are trying to instigate an argument and you know you'll enrage fans. You have succeeded. How sad for you. I wonder if you really have any hope in anything. Does this anger fullfill you? I don't think it does. You see, I'm a Christian as Clay is....he is my brother in Christ. He's a great person. I'm thinking you need to pray and ask Christ for forgiveness because you desprerately need Him in your life. I know how empty you can feel and I promise you, if you ask Christ, it will be worth it and there will be no need to attack innocent people. Read the story of Saul in the bible. Maybe then you'll understand. Please don't respond to this letter unless you want to ask me a question about Christ. Other then that, all statements from you will be deleted. I really don't care about what you think about Clay because in the end it changes nothing nor does it change the fans. You just lonely, bitter, person alone in your bitterness and sin. But you know that can be taken away. I'm not telling you that you should be a fan of Clay but accepting Christ will mean accepting yourself and you'll realize you are not alone and disgusting. You are a beautiful person. You are a child of God.

Caryn

Oh for chrissakes, can't we leave the religious stuff out of it? How can you write me a letter and tell me I can't respond unless I have a question about Christ? Fine. Umm... how tall is he? Was he good at sports? There. Thanks for pointing out all my faults. I already know I'm alone in my bitterness and sin. You left out my drinking problem and the fact that I sometimes touch myself when nobody's looking.

Here's the Good News -- the other "good news" (a little Christian humor) -- I like fat girls. And you sound overweight. Maybe you and I can get together for some burgers n' Jesus. We can chat about Clay and that Saul dude. Is he a gay singer too? What's your schedule like next week? I'm flexible.

******

Hi,

I just read your Clay Aiken article cause a friend of mine strongly agrees with you about Clay's gayness. I don't but I did laugh! I get the fact that your website is a huge joke but come on man some of the stuff is a bit off! I mean the monkey sex? That's just not right! Plus Clay's not gay! I think I'd know and he's been honest about everything from the start, why would he not say "Hey I'm Clay And I'm Gay"?!

Love,
Kristin ~*ClayDork#14*~

We didn't respond to this letter because she signed it with "love." Plus we like how she included the word, "gayness," which doesn't exist in the English language but demonstrates a lot of creativity.

******

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 3:51 PM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Clay

Dear Bob from Accounting,

I don't care that your damn article was a joke. who the hell woould care is Clay was gay anyway? Does that make him a different person? No. Does it change his talent? No. What we should really care is how he treats others and his singing. I really like Clay, and if I figured out he was gay, I would still keep on going to like him. When you say someone is gay or lesbian, that doesn't make htem another person, and it absolutly doesn't mean we should treat them differently.
Burn in hell

Leslie,

Apparently the short bus just pulled back in the lot. I'm gonna ignore the "burn in hell" comment -- my body is still twitching from your atrocious grammar and spelling. It's probably not your fault. You're probably just drunk. But the real question is do you have what it takes to date Clay Aiken? Please send us a photo and we'll let you know.

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:13 AM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: Clay

Ass hole. First, spell my name right. Second, who the hell cares if I put two o's in would by accident, and typed them to fast and put the h before t. Why the hell would I send you a picture? And I don't care what you think of me. All that matters is what is in the inside. And just because Clay would date someone that isn't "hot" in YOUR eyes, doesn't mean their a nice person. How can you treat people like this? Clay is a wonderful person. So shut the hell up. Please do us that favor. Get rid of your damn Clay Aiken site and start pickin on Ruben! I like Ruben, but, there are more ways to pick on Ruben than Clay. The color a person likes doesn't mean anything (Clay's dressing room is pink, so what? He couldn't choose the color).

P.S. Shut up and leave us all alone. ...damn immature people...

Lesley,

So you're saying you don't like Ruben because he's black? Wow, that's horribly racist. Please send a photo so we can forward it to the NAACP. Do you have anything that shows off the booty?

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:13 AM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: Clay

I'm not saying I don't like him because he's black. I like him. But since he's a big guy you'd have more reasons to make fun of him. Though you shouldn't. First, I have no picture, I don't own a webcam. Second, why the hell would I send it to you? I don't need some ass hole's comments on how I look. So what if I'm not Brittany Spears? I like how I look. And if I like how I look, you shouldn't care. I went back and read that damn article. After I read it, it crushed me so hard I started to cry. I played video games and beat up the people. Thinking the people were you. Now that I got this letter again, I start losing faith in people. How can we be so cruel? Why do we make fun of gay and lesbians? It doesn't really matter what's on the outside. The inside counts. Now I'm looking forward to the American Idol tour, which I'm going to, and if I were to go right now I wouldn't be able to enjoy it as much, because your hear, pissing everybody off. Now if you weren't here, and the concert was today, I'd be so happy. I had a great dream about American Idol last night, and I got Clay's single CD yesterday. You've ruined today for me. The only other thing I can say is that I'm crying because of that damn little gay Clay joke you made. Bastard

HOLY CRAP. NOW I FEEL KINDA BAD!!! THIS GIRL NEEDS HELP AND SOUNDS VERY YOUNG. I TRY TO GET SERIOUS AND SET HER STRAIGHT. IT'S THE LEAST I CAN DO.

Lesley,

Why are you so upset? Are you manic depressive? Do you often break down and cry about television stars you don't even know? Here's the truth, Lesley -- you don't know Clay. You saw him on TV. You don't know the first thing about him -- except how he sings and what he tell the audience -- the audience HE IS BEGGING to vote for him. Get it? Wake up. You sound like a nutcase. I mean that in the most respectful of ways. Also, stay in school and don't do drugs.

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:51 AM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: Clay

I am a nutcase you idiot. A nutcase over Clay. Duh I saw him on TV but that doesn't mean I can't like him. Plus, I can get to Norht Carolina, see his house! I mean I have connections I can meet him I have people I know down in NC, and you never know if anyone is home... leave me alone now ok I don't want to break down crying over your stupid comments on how Clay is gay I don't care if he is gay or not so leave me the hell alone

Lesley,

Stop lying to yourself. Of course you care if Clay is gay. If he's gay, that means you have no chance with him. You really don't want him to be gay do you?? Admit it!!!

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 6:23 PM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: Clay

Ok, fine. I do care if Clay is gay. But I would get over it. I can't be in control of anybody's life but mine. And if he is gay, meaning that I have no chance with him, what does that matter? I barely have a chance with him now. But dreams keep me alive. And I will keep dreaming until the day that I actually meet Clay. If you have no dreams, that what is the point of living?

Now please, stop e-mailing me. I don't want people telling me things I really don't want to hear. Your ruining my life. So please, please stop emailing me

Lesley,

Okay. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to make you so upset by mentioning that Clay is gay again and again. I'm sorry I said Clay is gay and likes men and not women. Please don't get upset. I won't email you again.

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2003 9:20 AM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: Clay

Please. Stop e-mailing me. The way you talk about Clay, and about Clay and I, I never thought anyone could say anything like that. So please, stop e-mailing me

Lesley,

Okay, this is just one more note explaining that I will not email you again. You sent another note asking me not to email and I'm simply saying I won't email you again after this. Take care.

From: Lesley xxxx<xxxxxx@attbi.com
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2003 12:42 PM
To: <comments@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: Clay

STop emailing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lesley,

Okay. Done. Hey, I think you forgot to send that picture. I just wanted to remind you before we, you know, stopped emailing each other. By any chance do you live in the Los Angeles area? Cuz I think we got a good vibe going. I could make my hair all spikey and you can pretend I'm Clay and you're one of his learning-disabled students. But I will insist on proof that you're over 18. That would be the appropriate thing to do. I hope you understand.

******

This next correspondence is a bit different. I suppose it was just a matter of time before we starting getting email from intelligent Idol fans who were clever enough to spot a Bob From Accounting/American Idol conspiracy. This exchange will make the quiz show scandal of the 1950's look tame in comparison. Someone please call the tabloids!!!

From: xxxxark <xxxxxx@netzero.net
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2003 7:59 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: yes - another Clay Aiken email

I was just wondering whether you have any relationship to FOX or the producers of American Idol. It is interesting that you - like them - focus on tearing down Clay's image, while saying nothing but good things about Ruben. I can't help but wonder what's in it for you.

Meg

Yes, I must admit that we do but please keep this between us. What most people don't realize is that there is bigtime money being wagered on the finals. I'm talking hundreds of thousands of dollars. You think it's a coincidence that the judges wanted Ruben?

Here's something else you don't know. Frenchie was not kicked off the show because of some pornography she made -- it was because it was found out that she was about to tell everyone a HUGE secret about Ruben. I mean huge. If this secret about Ruben got out, it would not only destroy him and his career but Simon and Paula's career as well.

Gotta run.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2003 10:56 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

I don't think its a "coincidence" the judges wanted Ruben. I think they felt pressured to have a black winner after Tamyra lost last time (which I agree was a shame - I voted for her - but because of her talent not her race.) Beyond that, they realize it doesn't really matter who wins - they have all these kids under contract to the extent they want them anyway. And, as you probably know, they'll make more money off Clay (his upcoming single has been #1 on amazon.com for weeks, with Ruben's trailing) whether or not he's the official "idol."

I certainly can believe that there is big money at stake. But, they could have fixed it so that Clay (or anybody else for that matter) could win, if money as opposed to race was the motivating factor. Actually, they could have simply left it alone - in which case Clay would have won.

Meanwhile, your email leaves two questions unanswered:

1) Why the continuing Clay-bashing? The contest is over.

2) If this is such a big secret and you do have a relationship with FOX, why are you telling me, a perfect stranger?

P.S. Are Clay and Ruben aware of all this?

Dear Meg,

I happen to know all this and I'm telling a complete stranger because I can't say anything. Get it? Clay and Ruben are tools in the process. Listen, people have no idea what goes on among the producers. I do because I closely involved in the writing of the show. If you don't believe that, call the Writer's Guild of America and ask. Do you know why they don't have writers on the credits after the American Idol? because nobody is supposed to know there are writers!

Here's one thing you don't know about Clay. For starters, he's not from Raleigh, NC -- he's a Canadian actor/singer from British Columbia. I know this seems crazy, but all those fans and people they showed on the TV monitor WERE from Raleigh but they have never met him. Nobody in Raleigh has. Because he's not from there.

His close family and friends were played by actors. Including my girlfriend. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Ruben stuff would blow you away.

Nice chatting with ya

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2003 11:44 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

I believe you. But you still haven't answered my remaining question: why the continued Clay-bashing (not that I care anymore, given that he's not really Clay.)

Also, if Clay is an actor, what about the others? Ruben? Kimberly Locke? Kelly Clarkson? Anyway, actor or not, Clay was the most talented of the lot. Followed by Kimberly Locke, in my opinion.
By the way, nothing would surprise me about Ruben. NOTHING.

Meg,

The reason I'm bashing Toby (Clay's real name) is because he was the one who was behind the ploy to get rid of Frenchie. Toby and Ruben were going to be the final two -- we knew that from the beginning. The thing was -- Frenchie was supposed to be third, but she had a big mouth. When she was about to spill the beans about Ruben, Toby (Clay) got involved. He is an incredible actor and it killed me and many others to see him almost win. And yes, he is gay. He's very openly gay -- when he's not acting and doing a southern accent.

The other people in the cast were singers mixed in with some actor/singers but everyone in the final 30 knew about final result. The other guy who got supposedly kicked out because of a prior arrest actually quit when he realized he wasn't going to make the final three. He and Ruben and Kimberly were the only innocents in the group. That's one of the reason I have voiced support off the record for him. Plus, after finding out all that stuff about him, I felt kind of sorry for him. The bets were on from the beginning. Remember Julia DeMato? She has been singing professionally in Las Vegas for 5 years. She was even a series regular on some TV show.

One more thing -- do you actually think that more than 50 million people were making long distance calls and text messaging on the cell? How much do you think ATT Wireless made on that deal?

The whole thing just stunk and I'm glad I'm no longer affiliated with the show and am not doing it next year. You are actually the first person outside the show I've shared this with. It's so much easier to say to a stranger.

This show is run just like pro wrestling -- the difference is that this one show was worth a billion dollars. Simon and Paula made over $2 million in bets they were privy to from the beginning. Actually, Randy Jackson was the only legit judge. He had no idea because he's as dumb as an ox.

I have to run. I'm just glad you didn't ask about Ruben because I really didn't want to go there.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2003 6:45 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

Question: if you're concerned about anonymity, why did you include your name in your emails to me (again, a perfect stranger)??

One reason I tended to believe you, contrary to what common sense might dictate, is that a friend of mine with "contacts" told me about a month ago that all the FOX reality shows were rigged and used actors. Now, you sure got me curious. When I get the time (believe it or not, I have a job), I might search the Raleigh yellow pages for Aiken. Maybe I'll call the YMCA too.

What's the deal with Ruben?

Meg,

Hey, do what you want-- it's all real. The reason I use my real name is because I'm tired of hiding. Tired of threats to my life and my family. The truth is it will probably hurt my career, but if it comes out from multiple sources -- they won't know it was me. Once it becomes public (which I promise it will) it won't matter. They won't murder me once I get invited for an interview with Katie Couric.

As for Ruben, for starters, he's 31 years old which is against Idol rules. You have to be 25 or under. Second, even though he is from Alabama. His real name is Jonathan Ray Studdard. Ruben is his father's name, I think. If you go to a national prison locator and look up his name (make sure you are in Alabama), you will see his background. He was actually not supposed to be released until August but he was a really well-behaved guy and got out early. By the way, he was so well known at his prison for his singing that the reason he got on the Idol show in the first place was because the warden called the show's producers!

I'm still not 100% sure what he was convicted of but it was DEFINITELY a felony and he did a long term. This will make its way to the public very very soon.

Again, all it takes is a simple change of the name -- first or last -- and that's it. TV producers aren't detectives and they don't do any investigations beyond whatever name they are given. It's basically a "don't ask, don't tell" kind of policy. Sort of like those gay people in the army. See, everything leads us back to gay people! I don't think that's a coincidence.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2003 8:36 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

I love it!

Well, I can tell you that it's all true and it's not just a handful of people who know it. It's everyone at Idol and everyone at fox. I'll try to find you a link to Toby and some Canadian theater group he used to be at.

The other fox shows are not necessarily rigged with actors. Some are and some aren't. It's really a matter of the deal the executive producer makes with the studio. In the beginning the studios just let the executive producers do whatever they wanted and just didn't ask questions. a lot of this started after scenes were "reshot" on survivor. That pretty much opened the floodgates on faking stuff for a large audience. Most people brush it off as nonsense because it seems so crazy.

I could care less who gets hurt at this point. I'm just waiting for a call from some smart reporter.

Anyway, I feel better after getting this off my shoulders. This is a two year old secret in the making. Some time I'll tell you about last year -- which is slightly less crazy but still pretty shady.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2003 11:01 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

It doesn't sound at all "crazy" to me. My hesitance to believe you stemmed mostly from the nature of your web site.

I loved Clay's voice from the first time I heard it, and resented the judges promoting Ruben - who is clearly the less talented. Talent-wise, I thought Clay and Kimberly Locke should have been the final two, but there's no accounting for taste. However, there should have been a level playing field, which there was not. Injustice really irks me. I even sent an email to FOX (I'll forward it to you if I still have it, but it won't be until tonight)and left a message on its comment line about it.

Yeah, definitely send me a copy of the letter. I was thinking of doing the same thing myself -- obviously not with my name on it :) I can try to find the appropriate person at fox to send it to in the future so you don't have to get it read by some young intern who won't know how to respond. I have emails for just about all the Fox execs. I also agree that Kimberly was great. For an overweight black chick, that girl has some pipes.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Thursday, June 6, 2003 9:45 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

Yahoo.com lists a Clay[ton] H. Aiken, age 24, in Raleigh NC. The Finley branch of the WMCA in Raleigh confirms that Clay Aiken worked there for 7 years prior to going on AI in March. Their phone number is (919) 848-9622.

So, I come back to my original question: what are you getting out of Clay-bashing?

OH SHIT. SHE'S ON TO ME! WHAT SHOULD I DO??

Meg,

Did I not tell you his name was Toby??

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2003 10:00 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

What are you talking about? the YMCA confirmed that the guy who placed second on AI is the very same Clay Aiken that they know and love, and who worked there for 7 years. Are you suggesting that "Toby" started posing as Clay Aiken 7 years ago?

Of course not. I have no idea if some dumb 16 year old is working at the desk at the Raleigh YMCA. Did I mention I worked at the show? I can't believe you would question me after all these emails and all that trust we built up during our short time together.

Can we move onto another subject -- like are you "dating material" for example?

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2003 2:32 PM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

No further discussion until you answer my original question: why are you bad-mouthing Clay? what's in it for you?

What's in it for me? Okay, fine. I didn't want to tell you but you forced me. It was revenge.

About five years ago when I was doing a conference of television writers in British Columbia, I met Toby (Clay) and a few of his buddies. We all went out for drinks after watching his theater group perform a horrible musical adaptation of "Our Town." He was fantastic. Great singer then just as he is now. I was with my girlfriend and she kept saying again and again how great of a singer he was. I didn't think about it again until last year when he was in Los Angeles meeting with the producers of Idol. When I called my girlfriend that week she said she was feeling sick. I kept calling and she kept making excuses.

Finally, I went over there and discovered that Toby was staying with her. They had been corresponding over the years and had developed a friendship. I was suspicious that he had his eye on her but she laughed it off. Suddenly, during the semi finals of the competition, she met me for dinner and broke up with me. She admitted it was Toby and now that he's living in LA, they wanted to explore their relationship.

They explored and turns out he finally realized (or discovered) he's not much interested in women. He told her he thinks he's gay but they remained close and she saw him often during the Idol competition. She was even one of the actresses hired to play a family member.

Anyway, after he made the finals, his head swelled so big he stopped returning her calls. I figured that would be a great time to swoop in there and reclaim her. It was too late, she said. After being with someone so talented and sensitive like Clay (she started calling him by his fake name) she couldn't be with "an asshole like me" ever again.

So that's it. That's my grievance with Clay "Toby" Aiken.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2003 3:56 PM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

I think you're sick.

You're falling in love with me aren't you? I thought so. I think Toby would be happy for us. I really do.

OKAY, I WASN'T GONNA LET HER OFF THE HOOK SO EASILY. SO I STOPPED ANSWERING HER MAIL AND THEN SENT HER THE FOLLOWING CRYPTIC NOTE SEVERAL DAYS LATER.

Who is this?

Scott Leva is no longer available to speak about American Idol or all other matters relating to Fox Entertainment. Please delete all letters from Scott immediately.

AI

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:22 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

Better question - who is this? and what purportedly happened to Scott Leva? Also, why do you sign your email "AI"? Absent some answers, I'm not deleting anything.

It's irrelevant who I am but I represent those affiliated with the Fox Broadcasting Company and ATT Wireless. The more important thing to understand is that what Mr. Leva wrote should not be disseminated, as we would consider this libelous.

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:47 AM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

Which part would be libelous?

Look, we are under enormous pressure to protect the show and it's investors. Let's just say that Scott Leva was in unusual position to witness some things that we'd prefer not to reach certain media outlets, in such a way where we're not actively involved. JR Studdard should not have his career ruined because of a mistake he made a long time ago, which is irrelevant to his obvious talent and popularity. Same with Clay Aiken and others.

I'm sure you would agree, the mainstream media tends to exaggerate scandal to to sell newspapers and magazines. We would rather it be revealed at the appropriate time of our choosing, not theirs.

I hope you will respect our wishes not to take this conversation further than it already has. Thank you for your consideration in this important matter.

American Idol

From: xxxwmark@netzero.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 1:16 PM
To: <editor@bobfromaccounting.com
Subject: Re: yes - another Clay Aiken email

I haven't given you any consideration yet. You (or Fox, or its "investors," or whomever) certainly haven't given any to the public. Now, how about that retraction where you apologize publicly for Clay-bashing?

WHAT A DIPSHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M OUTTAHERE!

SEND THIS ARTICLE TO A FRIEND!