Paula Abdul, Former American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance Judge Sues, Accuses Shows' Producer, Nigel Lythgoe, of Sexual Assault
Paula Abdul is undoubtedly one of the most iconic judges in the history of TV talent competitions, having judged "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance?" However, she is now suing the producer of both shows, Nigel Lythgoe, and accuses him of sexually assaulting her.
The Grammy-winning singer and dancer, best known for her banter with fellow "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell on the iconic show's early seasons, filed the lawsuit and sexual assault allegations in Los Angeles County on Friday.
Nigel Lythgoe served as the executive producer for both hot shows that Paula Abdul judged on. According to People Magazine, she claimed that he sexually assaulted her once during one of the earlier seasons of "American Idol," and he did it again during her time on "So You Think You Can Dance."
Paula Abdul is suing him over sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence under the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allows civil sexual assault suits to be made even if the statute of limitations has expired. She also accused him of sexually assaulting her assistant.
Lawsuit Details How Nigel Lythgoe Sexually Assaulted Paula Abdul on 'American Idol'
In her lawsuit, Paula Abdul has named Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment Inc., Fremantle Media North America Inc., American Idol Productions Inc. and Dance Nation Productions Inc. as the defendants in the case.
She alleged in her filing that Lythgoe, who produced American Idol after his British show "Pop Idol" became a hit in the UK, that the first incident happened during one of the road filming auditions for an earlier season of "American Idol."
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She revealed that Lythgoe groped her in the elevator of their hotel after a day of filming and "began shoving his tongue down her throat." Paula Abdul then pushed him away and ran to her hotel room when the elevator doors opened.
"In tears, Abdul quickly called one of her representatives to inform them of the assault," the filing, obtained by the Associated Press, alleged "but ultimately decided not to take action for fear that Lythgoe would have her fired from American Idol." She stayed on the show for eight seasons before departing and becoming a judge on another Nigel Lythgoe show.
Nigel Lythgoe Lured Paula Abdul to His Home During Her Tenure in 'So You Think You Can Dance?'
As for the second incident, Paula Abdul claimed in her filing that it happened inside his home during her time as one of the judges in "So You Think You Can Dance?"
According to TMZ, Lythgoe invited the Grammy winner to his house to discuss "work opportunities." She initially thought it was a professional situation and agreed but that evening ended with Lythgoe forcing himself on top of her while she was on a couch and trying to kiss her.
Abdul managed to push herself away from the British producer and immediately left his house.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
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