American singer, dancer, and “American Idol” star Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit accusing British television executive Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during their collaboration on two popular talent shows, according to court documents.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Lythgoe sexually assaulted Abdul in an elevator during the early seasons of “American Idol.” The incidents include allegations of groping Abdul’s breasts and genitals, along with other unwanted physical contact after auditions for the show. Abdul reportedly tried to resist and fled as soon as the elevator doors opened.
Lythgoe, a producer of several successful television talent competitions, has denied the allegations, stating that he and Abdul have had a platonic friendship and professional relationship for over two decades. He called the claims false and deeply offensive.
The court documents reveal that Abdul reported the assault to her representatives at the time but refrained from taking further action due to fears of jeopardizing her job. Allegedly bound by contractual obligations, Abdul couldn’t speak out about the incidents.
Another alleged assault occurred years later when Abdul worked as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” According to the lawsuit, Lythgoe assaulted her at his Los Angeles home after a work dinner, and Abdul promptly rejected him, leaving his residence.
The lawsuit includes additional accusations against Lythgoe, claiming that he once taunted Abdul, stating that the statute of limitations had expired on the alleged assaults. It also alleges that Abdul witnessed Lythgoe assaulting one of her assistants on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
The lawsuit was filed just before the December 31 deadline established under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, allowing individuals to bring certain sexual abuse lawsuits that would otherwise be outside the statute of limitations.
