Idols star hurt in fight

Idols favourite Freddie van'Dango might not be able to attend tonight's results show - he was seriously injured in a fight outside a bar in Greenside, Johannesburg, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

There were rumours that Van'Dango had his jaw broken when he was reportedly beaten up by a "cage fighter". M-Net spokesman Lani Lombard denied this, saying only that he was injured.

Lombard said M-Net is "taking their cues from the doctor to see whether Freddie will be able to attend the Idols results show" tonight.

"The doctor has already confirmed that Freddie should be fit to sing in the next round," she said.

On Friday, M-Net allowed Van'Dango - one of the top eight and a favourite to win this year's competition - and his co-contestants a free night on the town without security after a flu bug gripped the Idols house in Northcliff.

Eyewitnesses told The Times that Van'Dango was seen in Greenside, where he waved to fans.

Later, in the early hours of Saturday morning, he and a friend reportedly became involved in an altercation with the DJ of a bar about the music he was playing.

"He and one of his friends went and had words with the DJ. They [Van'Dango and his friend] started screaming and shouting," said the eyewitness.

Another man, who is said to be a "cage fighter", decided to intervene. A fight ensued and all the people involved in the fight were asked to leave.

The fight reportedly continued in the street in front of the bar, and Van'Dango was seriously injured.

"Freddie and his friends picked a fight with the wrong people," said a witness, who did not want to be named.

It is understood that he spent the night in hospital, but is now recovering at his parents' home.

His father, Matthys Moss, confirmed yesterday on Facebook that Van'Dango was "brutally attacked in Greenside early on Saturday morning".

"We are committed that Freddie continue his Idols dream and not be a victim!" he said.

He declined to give any further comment.

Van'Dango is due to make a live television appearance on today's results show. Later in the week he will also have to record another performance for Friday's show.