Paula Abdul accuses 'American Idol' executive producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault on many occasions
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer-dancer Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit, claiming that Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance,' sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.
Rising to fame in the late 1980s, Abdul later transitioned to a role as a reality show competition judge in the early 2000s.
According to Abdul, the first incident occurred during one of the initial seasons of 'American Idol' while on the road for auditions.
Paula Abdul files lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe alleging sexual assault
In the documents obtained by TMZ, Abdul claims that Lythgoe assaulted her in a hotel elevator, forcibly pushing her against a wall, groping her breasts and genitals, and attempting to kiss her.
Abdul asserted that she immediately reported the incident to her representative but did not pursue the accusations out of fear of losing her job.
Abdi accused Lythgoe of sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, and gender violence (via Rolling Stone). Moreover, she says she was verbally abused, bullied, discriminated against, and paid less than her male colleagues.
“Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat,” the suit alleges.
Abdul says she pushed Lythgoe away from her and ran outside the elevator when the doors opened. Afterward, she says she contacted one of her representatives to let them know what had happened.
Paula Abdul alleges second assault in lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe
Paula Abdul alleges a second assault in 2014 during a dinner at Lythgoe's home.
According to the lawsuit, "Toward the end of the evening, Lythgoe allegedly forced himself on top of Abdul while she was seated on his couch, attempting to kiss her and proclaiming they would make an 'excellent power couple'. Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not interested in his advances and immediately left.”
Another alleged assault took place in 2015 when Abdul signed a new contract to be a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance', a show also executive-produced by Lythgoe.
Abdul claims that Lythgoe invited her to his home under the guise of discussing career opportunities. However, the situation turned inappropriate, with Lythgoe allegedly forcing himself on top of her and making unwanted advances. Abdul pushed him away, expressed her disinterest, and promptly left his house.
The singer/dancer also alleges that Lythgoe taunted her that they should celebrate the assault because it had been seven years and the statute of limitations had run.
