British tabloids ripping Paula Abdul during 'X Factor' judging gig

Singer and dancer Paula Abdul, who is in England as a judge on "The X Factor," Britain's Simon Cowell-created equivalent to "American Idol", is being judged herself by the tabloids.

One tabloid claimed Abdul had shown up eight hours late for work due to jet lag. Another said she had brought a "spiritual adviser" to help her choose her food, the Mirror reported.

A spokesman for Adbul called the reports "lies."

"The tabloids over there are far more brutal than anything we have over here," said Paul Levinson, chairman of the communications and media studies department at Fordham University.

"American Idol" judges are respected, but "X Factor" judges are fair game for the rumor mill.

The British judges also are not as impartial in casting their votes for wannabe stars, which angers viewers, the New York Post reported.

"(The tabloids') knives are always keenly sharpened and always ready to cut apart the aristocracy or the media aristocracy," Levinson said.