Although Cheryl Cole only served as a judge on Fox's "X Factor" for a brief period, she could be entitled to a huge payday -- at least that's what the British singer is alleging in a new lawsuit being leveled against "X Factor" producers Blue Orbit Productions.
Cole was fired from the Simon Cowell singing competition before the first season began airing, to be replaced by Nicole Scherzinger (who, along with Paula Abdul, has since been replaced by Britney Spears and Demi Lovato). But according to The Hollywood Reporter, Cole has filed a lawsuit claiming that Blue Orbit owes her $2 million, plus an additional $300,000 to cover expenses for wardrobe, styling and Cole's living allowance.
Cole's suit claims she was hired under a "pay-or-play" contract for the first two seasons of the US reality show, which reportedly requires that the producers "pay the talent even if the producer decides (for reasons other than the talent's breach of contract) not to use the talent and/or releases the talent from his or her obligations under the contract," according to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
While Cole was paid $1.8 million for Season 1, the additional $2.3 million being sought is purely related to the show's second season.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on December 7, also requests interest on the money owed, plus legal fees and "further relief as the court may deem just and proper."