Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles accusing former “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” producer Nigel Lythgoe of multiple instances of alleged sexual assault. In the legal filing on Friday, Abdul, 61, contends that Lythgoe, 74, assaulted her during one of the “initial seasons” of “American Idol” and again in 2014 while they were both serving as judges on “So You Think You Can Dance,” as reported by The Post.
During the height of “American Idol’s” popularity in the 2000s, Lythgoe played a pivotal role as a producer, and his last credited involvement with the show dates back to 2014. Similarly, from 2005 to 2014, he was listed as the producer and co-creator of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Abdul claims that the first instance of sexual assault occurred in a hotel elevator during the audition stage of “American Idol’s” earlier seasons.
“Abdul attempted to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doors to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her hotel room. Abdul quickly called one of her representatives in tears to inform them of the assault.” a lawsuit in Los
Abdul claimed she remained silent about the allegations fearing retaliation from Lythgoe, who she said had the power to fire her from her role as a judge on the show.
During the second alleged assault, Abdul claims Lythgoe sexually assaulted her at his home after inviting her for dinner in 2014.
Assuming it was a professional invitation, Abdul accepted,” the lawsuit stated.
“As the evening progressed, Lythgoe allegedly imposed himself on Abdul, positioning himself on top of her while she was seated on his couch. He attempted to kiss her, asserting that they would form an outstanding ‘power couple,’ according to the allegations in the lawsuit.
“Abdul resisted Lythgoe’s advances, pushing him away, and promptly departed the situation.”