The Girls Aloud singer got her start in reality TV, winning U.K.'s "Popstars" in 2002. As a judge on the U.K. "X Factor," she coaches two groups to victory.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesBritish pop star and former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole filed a lawsuit Friday claiming she is owed at least $2.3 million by Blue Orbit Productions, the entity that produces the American TV show.
Cole was fired as a judge on the show before the first season began on the Fox network, reportedly over concern that American audiences would not be able to understand her accent. But she says she had a pay-or-play contract for two seasons.
Cole was paid her $1.8 million salary for the first season but was not paid an additional $2 million for the second season or other money she was promised for her expenses, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
That included a $100,000 wardrobe allowance as a one-time payment, a $25,000 one-time allowance for her stylist, $15,000 per month for a hotel or apartment in L.A. and a $2,500-per-month living allowance.
The contract also allegedly called for Blue Orbit to reimburse Cole for the cost of her personal security as well as first-class, round-trip airline tickets between London and L.A.
Besides what Cole believes she is owed, the lawsuit asks for interest on the money, legal fees and “further relief as the Court may deem just and appropriate.”
Attempts to reach Blue Orbit productions were unsuccessful.
