“American Idol” reject Ian Benardo, who infamously rushed the stage during the talent search’s 2010 finale, claims producers encouraged the stunt and then discriminated against him. He’s seeking $300 million in a complaint filed with the New York State Human Rights Division that alleges the “Idol” set “was permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, insults and hostile and offensive comments.” Benardo, who is openly gay, auditioned for the show in 2007 and became a sensation after he flipped out on Simon Cowell. He claims producers invited him back for last season’s finale – then pelted him with anti-gay epithets and asked him inappropriate questions about his sexuality. He also says producers gave him the go-ahead to grab the mike from Dane Cook during the May 26th finale. Since the finale, Benardo said he has suffered panic attacks and can’t live a normal life.
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