Paula Abdul Files Lawsuit Accusing TV Executive Nigel Lythgoe of Sexual Assault
Renowned U.S. singer, dancer, and "American Idol" star Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against British television executive Nigel Lythgoe, accusing him of sexually assaulting her during their collaboration on two popular talent shows, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday.
Abdul alleges that Lythgoe, the producer of various hit television talent competitions, sexually assaulted her in an elevator during the early seasons of "American Idol." The court documents state that Lythgoe allegedly groped Abdul's breasts and genitals, engaging in other unwanted physical contact after auditions for the show. Abdul reportedly tried to resist and fled as soon as the elevator doors opened.
Lythgoe has denied the allegations, categorizing their relationship as "dear" and "entirely platonic." He expressed his shock at learning of the claims in the press, stating, "not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for."
The lawsuit asserts that Abdul reported the assault to her representatives immediately but refrained from taking action due to fear of losing her job, as her contracts prohibited her from speaking out.
Another alleged assault occurred years later when Abdul worked as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance." The lawsuit claims Lythgoe assaulted her at his Los Angeles home after a work dinner, prompting Abdul to firmly reject him and leave the premises.
In addition to the assault allegations, the lawsuit accuses Lythgoe of taunting Abdul over the phone, asserting that the statute of limitations had expired on the alleged assaults.
The legal action was submitted just before the December 31 filing deadline under California's Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allows individuals to bring certain sexual abuse lawsuits that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. Abdul's lawsuit also claims that she witnessed Lythgoe assaulting one of her assistants on "So You Think You Can Dance."
As the legal proceedings unfold, this high-profile case adds to the ongoing discussions surrounding sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
