Simon Cowell's Ex Attacked After 'American Idol'

[Are_grits_groceries]

It happened at L.A. Live -- a complex that includes the Nokia Theatre where "A.I." was taped. A 33-year-old woman walked up to Terri, asked if she was Simon's girlfriend. The suspect allegedly attacked her and attempted to choke her.

The suspect -- Janice Thibodeaux -- was booked on felony battery. She's being held on $52,700 bail.

We're told Terri refused medical treatment. She was escorted out of the complex by three cops.

Just found out Thibodeaux is twice Terri's size, weighing in at 200 lbs.

UPDATE -- TMZ spoke with Thibodeaux's brother and sister who told us Janice is "not crazy" and this is "way out of character" for her.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/05/20/simon-cowells-ex-attacked/

This backstory ought to be interesting.