'Cold-hearted snake': Internet slams 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe as he denies Paula Abdul's sexual assault allegations

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a surprising turn of events, Paula Abdul has recently filed a lawsuit accusing 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault. Lythgoe, however, vehemently denies these claims, labeling them as false and deeply offensive.

Lythgoe expressed his shock and sadness over the allegations, stating that for more than two decades, he and Paula have interacted as dear friends and colleagues in a purely platonic manner. He believes that the accusations are not only untrue but also deeply offensive to him and everything he stands for.

Nigel Lythgoe strongly denies Paula Abdul's sexual assault allegations

According to TMZ, Paula filed the lawsuit on Friday, alleging that she had been sexually assaulted by Lythgoe on at least three occasions. The incidents are said to have occurred during the early seasons of 'American Idol' and while she was a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance'. Paula claims that Lythgoe grabbed her breasts and genitals in an elevator during regional auditions for 'Idol' and later forced himself onto her at his home.

In response to the shocking allegations made by Paula Abdul, 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe has broken his silence, expressing his disbelief and strong denial of the accusations.

Nigel tells TMZ ... "To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear -- and entirely platonic -- friends and colleagues." He adds, "Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for."

While defending himself against the accusations, Lythgoe took the opportunity to reference Paula's "history of erratic behavior." He said, "While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have." 

The statement appears to indirectly touch upon past rumors of an alleged affair between Paula Abdul and ex-'Idol' contestant Corey Clark in the mid-2000s. Abdul has consistently denied these rumors.

Internet reacts to Nigel Lythgoe's denial of Paula Abdul's allegations

Nigel Lythgoe's emphatic denial of Paula Abdul's sexual assault allegations has sparked a wave of reactions across the internet. While some express skepticism and question the timing of Abdul's revelations, others condemn Lythgoe with strong words.

One user on social media didn't mince words, stating, "He’s a cold-hearted snake."

Skepticism is evident in comments such as, "Have you ever seen a single perv admit it upfront says no one ever." 

Questions about the timing of Paula Abdul's decision to speak up arise, as one user queries, "Why is she now speaking up?"

Another user wrote, "Never knew a man who sexually assaulted someone admit it lol what was he supposed to do say? Let’s see what’s revealed before we draw conclusions."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.