In a shocking lawsuit filed on Friday, Paula Abdul, the renowned singer and former judge on reality show competitions, has accused Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” of sexual assault. The allegations span two separate incidents.
During one of the early seasons of “American Idol,” Abdul claims that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her in an elevator. The suit alleges that he physically assaulted her, groped her breasts and genitals, and forcibly kissed her. In her attempt to escape, Abdul ran to her room as soon as the elevator door opened.
Years later, while Abdul was a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Lythgoe invited her to his home for dinner under the guise of a professional encounter. According to the lawsuit, Lythgoe made unwelcome advances, attempted to kiss her, and suggested they become a “power couple.” Abdul pushed him away and promptly left his residence.
The lawsuit also accuses Lythgoe of verbal harassment and bullying. It claims that Abdul faced discrimination and was paid less than male judges on “American Idol.” Furthermore, the suit alleges that the show intentionally portrayed her in a misleading way to make her appear inept.
In a disturbing revelation, Abdul alleges that she witnessed Lythgoe sexually assault one of her assistants in April 2015. The lawsuit states that Lythgoe inappropriately pressed against the assistant and groped her without consent.
Abdul’s silence over the years was attributed to fear of speaking out against a powerful industry figure like Lythgoe, who had the potential to harm her career and blacklist her. The lawsuit contends that such behavior was an open secret in the industry.
The suit also highlights a MADtv parody in which Lythgoe was portrayed as harassing contestants, suggesting that his behavior was widely known.
Lythgoe allegedly taunted Abdul, stating that the statute of limitations had expired during a phone call.
Additionally, Paula Abdul sued 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, American Idol Productions, and Dance Nation Productions. The suit alleges the companies failed to take steps to discipline Lythgoe and protected him from accountability.
Paula Abdul filed the lawsuit under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, taking advantage of a one-year window to file sexual abuse lawsuits that would otherwise be outside the statute of limitations. The deadline for filing is December 31.
