Nigel Lythgoe steps down from nonprofit amid sexual assault suits filed by Paula Abdul and others

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nigel Lythgoe reportedly currently wants all his focus on regaining his lost fame and honor, which he seemingly lost after singer Paula Abdul and two other women brought sexual assault lawsuits against him.

Radar Online reported that the English television and film director has taken off from his duties at a Nonprofit, named BritWeek.

Nigel Lythgoe steps down from several companies amid sexual assault cases

Lythgoe is one of the co-founders of the organization, which was established in 2007.

BritWeek, however, is not the only place from where the choreographer has stepped down. He also recently left his judge position at ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’

The accused shared via a statement, “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.”

He 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.”

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

Paula Abdul alleged Nigel Lythgoe behaved with her inappropriately twice

This came after on December 30, 2023, Abdul filed suit accusing Lythgoe of sexually abusing her twice.

The 61-year-old dancer’s submission in court reportedly read, “One evening, following the day's auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying.”

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

Mentioning another alleged incident, Abdul claimed that Lythgoe “attempted to kiss” and force himself on her. She, however, “pushed him off, explaining she was not interested in his advances, and immediately left.”

Nigel Lythgoe allegedly abused ‘All American Girl’ participants

Just a few days after Abdul’s suit, two contestants of ‘All American Girl’ sued him for gender violence, negligence, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and sexual assault/battery, PEOPLE reported.

The accusers alleged that once Lythgoe “walked around the set and dressing rooms and openly swatted and groped Plaintiffs' and other contestants' buttocks.”

They also asserted that the accused’s inappropriate action was "openly accepted," as "employees, contractors, representatives, and agents saw this happen but did not act in any manner to condemn the action or prevent it from happening again."