Renowned singer Paula Abdul has taken legal action against Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer behind popular shows like “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” alleging sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The 61-year-old artist claims that Lythgoe, 74, subjected her to two separate incidents of assault during her tenure as a judge on the aforementioned reality competition series.
Lythgoe vehemently denied the allegations, stating, “To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement.” He further emphasized their long-standing professional relationship and refuted the claims, vowing to contest the allegations vigorously.
Abdul detailed the alleged incidents, recounting a distressing encounter in an elevator during an early season of “American Idol.” The court documents depict a harrowing scene where Lythgoe purportedly assaulted Abdul before she promptly sought refuge in her hotel room, notifying her representatives of the traumatic experience.
With an illustrious history on “American Idol,” serving alongside judges like Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, Abdul’s accusations extend beyond the assault claims. The lawsuit also accuses Lythgoe of inappropriate advances during a dinner invitation and further alleges his misconduct toward one of Abdul’s assistants during “SYTYCD” production.
Furthermore, Abdul highlights a history of verbal harassment and unequal compensation, underscoring the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry. The lawsuit further reveals an unsettling phone call from Lythgoe, allegedly taunting Abdul about the statute of limitations, which emphasizes his perceived awareness of the severity and implications of his actions.
In addition to Lythgoe, production entities associated with the shows, including American Idol Productions and Fremantlemedia North America, are named as defendants. The lawsuit leverages California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, AB 2777, designed to empower survivors of sexual abuse to pursue justice.
Douglas L. Johnson, managing partner of the firm representing Abdul, lauded her bravery, emphasizing the significance of the lawsuit in providing a voice for survivors in the industry. Abdul’s courageous stance against alleged abuse underscores her commitment to seeking justice and shedding light on issues pervasive in the entertainment realm.
