American Idol - Organisers Fined for Violating Child Labour Laws

The organisers of the recently ended nationwide American Idol tour have apparently been fined for breaking child labour laws.

In the US, employers who use child performers are apparently required to register with the state so they can be monitored as to whether they're complying with child labour, education and workers' compensation regulations.

The New York Daily News reported that Nineteen Touring LLC, which runs the national tour, apparently failed to get the proper permits which allowed American Idol Jordin Sparks and another finalist Sanjaya Malakar,to perform on stage and participate in the nationwide tour.

The company has agreed to pay $5,000 in fines after being confronted with 16 violations, the Daily News said.

Both Jordin Sparks and Sanjaya Malakar were 17 years-of-age when the tour played five dates in New York this summer, although Sanjaya has since had his 18th birthday. Sanjaya Malakar turned 18 on Sept. 10, but was 17 during the New York tour dates.

A spokeswoman for 19 Touring had no immediate comment.

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