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Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant Randy Madden Arrested for Allegedly Having Sex With Minor
Former American Idol contestant Randy Madden was arrested after he allegedly had sex with a minor.
Madden, 45, is facing several felony charges that stem from at least one alleged sexual encounter with a minor that took place between July and September of 2025, according to online records from the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, viewed by Life & Style.
The former reality star was charged on Monday, November 3 with unlawful sexual intercourse, anal and genital penetration by a foreign object, oral copulation of a person under 18, sending harmful matter, luring and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, per the records.
Madden previously appeared in court via Zoom and pleaded not guilty to all counts, according to the online records.
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In addition to the charges being pressed against him, a criminal protective order for Madden’s alleged victim has been filed.
Madden was booked by the Ventura County Sheriff on Thursday, October 30. The online jail records state that he posted $100,000 bail and was released on Tuesday, November 4. Madden is next scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, November 13.
The general public was first introduced to Madden when he auditioned for season 8 of American Idol in 2009. At the time, he auditioned with a performance of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Madden did not receive a “yes” from any of the four judges, and he was sent home before he could make it to the next round in the competition.
According to Ventura County Sheriff’s online records, Madden’s occupation was listed as “disabled.” He currently has a GoFundMe link featured on his Instagram bio, in which he said he needs help paying for “living expenses Rent, Utilities, Gas, etc.”
Madden created the fundraiser, in which he claimed he cannot walk without crutches or a cane after he was involved in a “horrific motorcycle accident” in September 2023.
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In June 2025, Madden shared a health update on the GoFundMe page and explained he underwent seven surgeries. However, he said he needed two more surgeries in order to fix his leg.
“My recovery has been challenging, and I can’t currently work as a hairdresser due to my condition. Recent surgery involved moving muscle to cover an infection, and I’m now dealing with potential complications,” he wrote. “With rising costs for gas and transportation, I’m trying to minimize expenses while focusing on my recovery.”
Madden continued, “Any amount helps. In summary I believe I need two more surgeries to repair my leg I’ll never be 100%, but I’m improving. I’m still waiting for any help from the state through disability.”
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