New York Daily News

Paula Abdul’s “American Idol” colleagues – and her attorney – are rallying around the pint-size judge as ABC News is planning what’s described as a look into “explosive claims” of wrongdoing behind the scenes.

Abdul’s camp is so concerned about the report, set to air next Wednesday night at 10 EDT, that her attorney, Martin Singer, fired off a letter to ABC News warning them to back off unsubstantiated allegations against Abdul.

The exact content of Singer’s letter was unknown, but sources said he wants an upcoming “Primetime Live” devoted to “American Idol” to stay away from reports that she romanced “American Idol 2” contestant Corey Clark.

Singer did not return a call Tuesday.

But Abdul’s spokeswoman said, “There’s a false story that’s defamatory to Paula. … Her lawyer responded to that.”

As for ABC’s upcoming piece, she said, “We’re not really concerned about any investigations going on.”

Meanwhile, Abdul’s fellow judge – and on-screen foil – Simon Cowell has come to her defense.

“I think they’re rubbish,” he said of Clark’s claims. “I think this guy’s out there to publicize a book.”

Clark, according to the Globe, a supermarket tabloid, is shopping a book proposal that claims he had an affair with Abdul. Clark alleges Abdul paid for a cell phone so he could call her and urged him to tell no one.

Clark, as another of Abdul’s fellow judges, Randy Jackson, noted on the TV show “Access Hollywood,” was booted from the show after producers learned he faced assault charges for beating his sister. Clark later pleaded no contest to a charge of “obstructing legal process.”

ABC News’ investigation is called “Fallen Idol,” and a press release about the show says it will “explore explosive claims about behind-the-scenes activities” at the ratings-rich television show.

An ABC News spokesman Tuesday had no comment about Singer’s letter or the content of the “Primetime Live” report.

A spokesman for Fox also had no comment.

Cowell told “Extra’s” Terri Seymour – his real-life girlfriend – that to be fair, Abdul spends more time “backstage with the contestants giving encouragement and everything else. But that’s not a bad thing.”

The affair rumors also come after Abdul was dogged with speculation on the Internet that her fawning reactions to male contestants – and her often wacky on-screen dancing – are the result of drug use.

“It was so hideous and mean,” Abdul told People magazine. “Drugs? I’m not addicted to pills of any kind.”

Abdul then discussed her private battle with chronic pain and said that in the past year, she has never felt better.