Chris is right! “American Idol” IS evil! People get *punched* over this stupid show!

Former American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis apparently is among the many alumni disappointed about Paula Abdul leaving the show.

But he’s probably the only one who had to take a punch to defend her honor.

According to the New York Daily News, when the Rock of Ages star said something about hoping the “Forever Your Girl” singer would eventually return to Idol, a well-dressed man pushed him to the ground and started throwing punches.