Woman pleads in choking case involving Simon Cowell's ex
A Los Angeles woman who choked an ex-girlfriend of "American Idol: judge Simon Cowell outside the Nokia Theatre during the music talent show's performance finale pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery, authorities said today.
Under the plea deal with the city attorney's office, 33-year-old Janis Thibodeaux was placed on 36 months' probation and must complete 20 days of Caltrans work and undergo anger management or a psychological evaluation, said spokesman Frank Mateljan.
She is due back in court July 16 for a progress report. She is also subject to the terms of a restraining order.
Thibodeaux was arrested May 19 after she approached Terri Seymour, who has worked as an entertainment correspondent for Fox and "Extra," and asked her whether she was the ex-girlfriend of Cowell.
"When the victim stated that she was, the woman attacked her and attempted to choke her," police said. Thibodeaux was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
-- Andrew Blankstein
