LOS ANGELES — In a recent lawsuit, Paula Abdul has accused former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during the early 2000s when she served as a judge on the reality competition show.
The legal action, filed in Los Angeles, also claims that Lythgoe continued the alleged misconduct after Abdul transitioned to become a judge on his other show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”
According to an international newswire, Abdul has chosen to publicly come forward with her allegations.
In response, Abdul’s attorney, Douglas Johnson, commended the singer and dancer for her courage in speaking out. Johnson stated, “Ms. Abdul knows that she stands both in the shoes and on the shoulders of many other similarly situated survivors, and she is determined to see that justice is done.”
Lythgoe, expressing shock and sadness, countered the allegations in a statement, emphasizing his platonic friendship with Abdul. He questioned the motives behind the lawsuit, citing what he referred to as Paula’s “history of erratic behavior” and pledged to vigorously contest what he deemed an “appalling smear.”
The lawsuit details Abdul’s silence over the years, attributing it to fear of retaliation from one of the most prominent producers in television competition shows. Before his roles on “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” Lythgoe played a pivotal role as a producer on the British show “Pop Idol,” a global franchise that later included the US version featuring Abdul.
(ai/mnm)