Nigel Lythgoe Denies Paula Abdul's Sexual Assault Allegations, Deeming Them 'False' and 'Deeply Offensive'

Nigel Lythgoe has denied Paula Abdul's claims of sexual assault. Abdul, aged 61, filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing Lythgoe, 74, of multiple instances of sexual assault during their time working together on 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance.'

In response to Abdul's accusations, Lythgoe expressed shock and sadness, stating that their interactions over two decades had been as platonic friends and colleagues. He vehemently denied the allegations, finding them not only false but deeply offensive.

Abdul's lawsuit, filed under the Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, targets Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment Inc., FremantleMedia North America Inc., American Idol Productions Inc., and Dance Nation Productions Inc. Allegations include sexual assault, harassment, gender violence, and negligence.

The suit narrates two alleged incidents involving Lythgoe. The first reportedly occurred in the early 2000s during 'Idol's' regional audition tour, where Abdul claims Lythgoe assaulted her in an elevator. The suit describes the assault and Abdul's reaction to it, explaining her reluctance to report it due to fear of losing her job.

The second alleged incident took place in 2015 during Abdul's tenure as a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance.' It involved an alleged assault during a dinner at Lythgoe's home, where he purportedly made advances towards Abdul.

The lawsuit also references an alleged assault by Lythgoe against an assistant of Abdul's in April 2015.

 

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