LOS ANGELES — Former American Idol contestant Randy Madden is facing multiple felony charges after he was accused of having sex with a minor.
The 45-year-old’s charges stem from at least one alleged sexual encounter between July and September of this year, according to online records from the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, reviewed by PEOPLE. TMZ was first to report the news.
The records show that Madden 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.
A criminal protective order for Madden’s alleged victim was filed. Madden appeared in court via Zoom and pleaded not guilty to all counts, per online records.
After being booked by the Ventura County Sheriff on Thursday, October 30, Madden posted $100,000 bail and was released on Tuesday, November 4, according to online jail records reviewed by PEOPLE.
Madden’s next court date has been scheduled for Thursday, November 13.
Madden auditioned for Season 8 of American Idol. He auditioned for the show in Phoenix, performing “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. The singer did not receive a “yes” vote from any of the four judges, eliminating him from the competition.
Ventura County Sheriff’s online records list Madden’s occupation as “disabled.” Madden currently has a GoFundMe link in his Instagram page bio, requesting help with “living expenses Rent, Utilities, Gas, etc.”
The campaign, which Madden created, claims that he cannot walk without crutches or a cane after suffering a “horrific motorcycle accident caused by brake failure” in September 2023.
In a June 18, 2025, update, Madden wrote that he had undergone seven surgeries and said he needed two more surgeries to repair 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 at the time. “With rising costs for gas and transportation, I’m trying to minimize expenses while focusing on my recovery.”
“I’ve faced obstacles with unemployment and federal aid, and it may take months to receive assistance,” continued Madden. “Your support can help prevent me from facing financial hardship and keep me from being homeless.”
PEOPLE has reached out to Madden and his lawyer for comment.
By INGRID VASQUEZ and DANIELLE BACHER/People
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.