Internet rejoices as Nigel Lythgoe quits as 'SYTYCD' judge amid Paula Abdul sexual assault suit

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nigel Lythgoe, accused of sexual assault by singer Paula Abdul and two other women, has reportedly left his seat as a judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

The 74-year-old alleged assaulter, who co-created the show, gave the reason behind his stepping down in a statement.

‘I did so with a heavy heart’

He said, as per Daily Mail, “I have informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year's series.”

Lythgoe continued, “I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that's where its focus needs to remain.”

He also added, “In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”

The TV director’s statement came after on December 30, Abdul filed suit against him.

‘Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall’

In her submission, the dancer alleged that she was abused by Lythgoe twice —- once when she was judging ‘American Idol’ in the early 2000s and another incident happened in 2015 during her time at ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ as its judge.

The 61-year-old in her papers gave details about the alleged assaults.

Describing the first instance, she reportedly wrote, “One evening, following the day's auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying.”

She asserted, “Upon entering the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat.”

Abdul’s lawsuit also mentioned the second time when Lythgoe was disrespectful toward her.

It reportedly happened during a dinner when the former dancer “attempted to kiss” and force himself on Abdul.

But the accuser “pushed him off, explaining she was not interested in his advances, and immediately left.

‘Reputation tarnished permanently’

Meanwhile, people online have reacted to the whole scandal with an X user saying, “That's what is wrong with Hollywood, they keep all these secrets about predators for DECADES, and then at the last minute before the statute of limitations runs out, want to file lawsuits.  And you wonder why Hollywood is still a cesspool for predators.”

Another user tweeted, “What a way to end his career... So sad.”

The third one wrote, “Code of conduct violated, justice served. The cloud's learning, reputation tarnished permanently.”

A Facebook user added, “Because he knows he is guilty!”