A gay American Idol reject is suing the makers of the show, saying they advised him to ‘gay it up’ and ‘exploited’ him. Ian Benardo is going after a cool US $300 million (AUS335 million). After his spectacular first audition, the show’s crew invited him back for the live final, where he stole the mic from comedian Dane Cook. His appearances ruined his reputation and have made it difficult for him to find a job, he claims in his lawsuit.

He filed his complaint with the New York State Human Rights Division, alleging that his experience with the show was “permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, insults and hostile and offensive comments.”