Former “American Idol” contestant Corey Clark will not face criminal charges for a hotel food fight that got out of control.
“They decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him,” Lana Wyatt, a spokeswoman for the Sacramento County district attorney’s office, said Wednesday.
Wyatt said the decision not to pursue a misdemeanor battery count against Clark in the June 25 incident was made by the lead prosecutor in the office’s domestic violence unit.
Clark, 24, would have faced up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if charged and convicted.
“Coming on the heels of a huge misunderstanding, Corey is obviously thrilled,” said Clark’s representative, Jed Wallace. “I think the major lesson here is, when you’re on the road and want to blow off steam, go for a jog.”
According to police, Clark and CDC Records company executive Laura Kathleen Troy, 34, argued as they were eating a room-service breakfast at Sacramento’s Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Clark threw food and dishes and grabbed Troy, causing red marks on her arms, police alleged. Police said Troy was uncooperative and did not want to press charges.
Clark was dismissed from the Fox network show for not disclosing a 2002 misdemeanor arrest for allegedly assaulting his younger sister.
He recently alleged he had an affair with “Idol” judge Paula Abdul, and that she coached him during the 2003 competition. Abdul denied the claims.