Source close to Paula Abdul labels Nigel Lythgoe 'disgusting human being' amid sexual assault allegations
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the wake of Paula Abdul's sexual assault lawsuit against 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe, a source close to Abdul has expressed strong condemnation, branding Lythgoe a "disgusting human being".
DailyMail.com reports that the source provided insights into Abdul's decision to come forward with the allegations.
Source close to Paula Abdul says it's time for Nigel Lythgoe to be held accountable
According to the source, Paula Abdul believes it is time for Nigel Lythgoe to be held accountable for his actions. The source further criticized Lythgoe, stating, "He is a disgusting human being, and women tolerate his behavior because of his power." Allegations of manipulation and misuse of power are suggested as part of Lythgoe's behavior towards women.
"He uses this to manipulate and make women feel as if they lucky to be in his presence," the source added.
The source also shed light on Abdul's decision to remain silent for years, citing fear and financial dependency. The source alleges that Lythgoe verbally insulted and belittled Abdul, but the renowned singer stayed quiet for fear of losing her paycheck.
"For years she kept silent because she was afraid. Afraid to speak out against 'Goliath' and she also knew that if she did her paycheck would not come. She needed money to survive and she actually started to believe she was washed up like he would tell her," the source alleged.
"And that wasn't the only time he said that to her. He would cut her up all the time. He constantly does this to women. The pain he has caused her and so many others is immense," they continued.
"Paula's friends are proud of her because those close to her have known about this and have urged her to speak out - especially during #metoo."
"She didn't want the attention this would bring her and felt that she would forever be tarnished by this and that it would hurt her career. But it got to a point where she doesn't care. She doesn't need his money and she will not ever work for a Lythgoe production again," the source said.
Nigel Lythgoe denies Paula Abdul's sexual assault allegations
In response to Paula Abdul's allegations of sexual assault, Nigel Lythgoe, the producer of 'American Idol,' has vehemently denied the claims. Lythgoe expressed shock and sadness, stating, "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."
In a statement to TMZ, Lythgoe continued, "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." He addressed Paula Abdul's history of erratic behavior, asserting that he could not understand why she would file a lawsuit that he believed was untrue.
Lythgoe concluded his statement by promising to fight the allegations vigorously, stating, "But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have." The unfolding legal battle has caught the attention of the public, with many awaiting further developments and responses from both parties involved.
