Paula Abdul Accuses ‘American Idol’ Producer Nigel Lythgoe of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit – Paula Abdul has filed a new lawsuit alleging multiple instances of sexual assault by Nigel Lythgoe, an executive producer of “American Idol,” during her tenure as a judge on both ‘Idol’ and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
The lawsuit, filed by Paula in L.A. County on Friday, asserts that the initial assault occurred during one of the early seasons of “American Idol” while they were on the road for regional auditions. In the documents obtained by TMZ, Paula describes an incident in which she and Lythgoe entered an elevator at their hotel.
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As the doors closed, she alleges that he forcibly pushed her against the wall, touching her genitals and breasts, and attempted to tongue-kiss her. According to the lawsuit, Paula recounts attempting to push him away and fleeing to her room once the elevator doors opened. Despite immediately notifying one of her representatives about the alleged incident, Paula chose to remain silent due to concerns about potential retaliation and the fear of being fired.
The second purported incident occurred after Paula signed a new contract in 2015 to judge ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (SYTYCD), a show also executive produced by Lythgoe. According to the documents, during her two seasons on the show, Lythgoe invited Paula to his house for a discussion about work opportunities. She states that she accepted, believing it to be a professional situation.
Nevertheless, she asserts that the evening concluded with Lythgoe forcibly placing himself on top of her while she was on a couch, attempting to kiss her. According to the lawsuit, he expressed they would make an “excellent power couple.” Paula contends that she resisted, pushing him away, expressing disinterest, and promptly leaving.
Paula further alleges another incident during her time on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in 2015, asserting that she witnessed Lythgoe groping one of her assistants. In addition to the distressing assault accusations, Paula contends that Lythgoe “taunted” her by calling to suggest they celebrate the expiration of the statute of limitations after seven years. On a broader scale, Paula alleges being a victim of harassment and discrimination, particularly in terms of compensation, throughout her tenure as a judge on ‘American Idol.’
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She is pursuing legal action against Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment, and FremantleMedia North America, citing charges of sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence. Paula explains her decision to come forward now is influenced by California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, providing a legal window for plaintiffs to file claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.