Idols judge sues Jacaranda

Jacaranda MD Mike Siluma says: "There is very little relationship between the transcript and the assertions in Ms. Louw's claim. We feel confident that any reasonable member of the public who hears what was actually said would come to the same conclusions."

Siluma also said that he had noted some of the defamatory comments contained in press articles about Jacaranda and its personnel and the station is reserving its rights in this regard.

In response to her allegations, the station (through its lawyers Webber Wentzel Bowens) denied that Jacaranda has defamed Louw or that the statements made by the presenters are unlawful or capable of the meaning suggested by her.

Jacaranda breakfast show presenter Kammies and Michelle Bradshaw, acting as traffic reporter on the day, referred on air to an article that appeared in the Sunday Tribune on 3 July 2005 in which it was reported that one of the judges had told a contestant "your only chance of making it in the music industry is if you sleep with someone who is already in it".

Siluma says: "Jacaranda 94.2 has a high regard for Louw, her talents and her considerable contribution to the South African entertainment world. While it is our intention to vigorously defend the matter, we are equally prepared to meet with Louw to find an alternative resolution to this matter."

He said that his office was attempting to arrange such a meeting.