Paula Abdul denies drug claims

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has denied accusations that she has been taking drugs.

Various reports last week had alleged that the singer - who has also been accused of having an affair with a former contestant - had become addicted to painkillers.

Responding to the claims in an interview today, the 42-year-old said: "Drugs? I'm not on anything now and people accuse me of being on drugs. If only people knew what I've gone through with pain and pills.

"I started to read the show's message boards and saw one of them had to do with me seeming weird. One said I was on drugs. It was so hideous and mean."