Paula Abdul Files Lawsuit Against Former Producer Nigel Lythgoe for Sexual Assault

Paula Abdul, the former judge of “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” has accused producer Nigel Lythgoe of multiple instances of sexual assault, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleges that Lythgoe sexually assaulted Abdul during the early seasons of “American Idol” and again in 2014 while they were judges on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Allegations and Background

According to the lawsuit obtained by The Post, Abdul claims that Lythgoe assaulted her in a hotel elevator during the audition stage of “American Idol.” The suit states that Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, groped her genitals and breasts, and forcefully kissed her. Abdul managed to escape and immediately informed her representative about the assault.

The lawsuit also details a second alleged assault in 2014 when Abdul claims Lythgoe forced himself on top of her at his home after inviting her for dinner. Abdul pushed him away and left, rejecting his advances.

Abdul remained silent about the assaults due to fear of retaliation from Lythgoe, who had the power to fire her from her role as a judge on the shows. She also claims to have witnessed Lythgoe sexually assaulting one of her assistants during the filming of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2015.

Legal Action and Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior

The lawsuit includes allegations that Lythgoe verbally insulted and belittled Abdul during a meeting about launching “American Idol” in 2001. He allegedly called her a “has been” and doubted her relevance to the show’s contestants.

Abdul is suing Lythgoe for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence. The lawsuit also names the production companies behind the shows, including American Idol Productions, Dance Nation Productions, 19 Entertainment, and FremantleMedia North America.

Response and Similar Lawsuits

The Post has reached out to Lythgoe’s representatives for comment on the allegations. This lawsuit follows a trend of high-profile figures facing sexual abuse lawsuits after New York and California passed legislation temporarily waiving the statute of limitations on such claims.

Notable figures like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Axl Rose, and Jermaine Jackson have also faced similar lawsuits in recent months over alleged sexual assaults.