Paula Abdul sues Aaron Tonken
Sep 9th, 2002
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Paula Abdul
9/9/02 ExtraTV.com
Now that "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has finished holding court over the countries hot new singers, she can get back to tracking down Aaron Tonken. Only "Extra" has uncovered the well-kept secret about this high-powered Hollywood producer.
The man promised to pay Paula more than $100,000 to appear, meet, and greet those attending the Kentucky Derby a few years ago. Paula kept up her end of the bargain, but Tonken did not. And as fans of "American Idol" know, this lady does not back down.
"Extra" obtained legal papers in which Abdul sued and was awarded more than $120,000 including attorney's fees and interest. Now she's trying to collect the cash.
But this guy is not easy to catch. Although Aaron Tonken's name may be unfamiliar, "Extra's" investigation reveals the low profile producer has promoted many high profile celebrity events; stars like Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Whoopie Goldberg, Gavid E. Kelley and wife Michelle Pfeiffer all have appeared at Tonken functions.
It's easy to see why Paula would want to work with Tonken; his connections go right to the top. Former president Bill Clinton and wife Senator Hillary Clinton have worked with Tonken for years. The Hollywood mogul is tightly tied to the Democratic National Committee.
But Paula, who recently won a $1,000,000 judgment from the makers of a diet drink, is not afraid of a fight. And as "Extra" has learned, she is determined to make this man produce every last penny he owes.