Maybe Simon Cowell isn't the meanest person in the world.

After all, fellow judge Paula Abdul says that she might have been fired from American Idol if Cowell hadn't come to her rescue.

In today's New York Post, Paula says that when allegations surfaced that she'd had an inappropriate affair with Corey Clark during Idol's second season, it was Cowell who ultimately stepped up for her.

"He was extremely distraught and protective and supportive of me when that happened," says Abdul. "There's the times when he's like a big brother – or a lover."

Of course, as Americal Idol fans know well, Paula also said it's not all wine and roses with Cowell:

"When he's just annoyed, I get the brunt of it."

But, wait a minute, did she say lover?!?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.