Abdul: 'I was stalked for 17 years'

Rex Features

Paula Abdul has claimed that the fan who committed suicide on her Sherman Oaks property had stalked her for 17 years.

Appearing on The View, Abdul said that she had become an easier target for Paula Goodspeed since she began appearing as a judge on American Idol.

"She has been a stalker/fan for about 17 years now," Abdul said. "It wasn't until American Idol that she ever knew how she could get to me. Prior to that it was all through a fan club.

"Because of American Idol, I've been an open target to be followed home. So the last five years have been a little tough for me."

Goodspeed, who was rejected in he early stages of American Idol in 2006, was found dead from a drug overdose near Abdul's home on November 11.

> Abdul sells Sherman Oaks home