Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe for sexually assaulting her many times while she was a judge on ‘Idol’ and “So You Think You Can Dance.” She is coming forward due to California’s Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allows victims to file claims that would’ve been barred due to the statute of limitations.
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According to TMZ, the incident occurred during one of “American Idol’s” early seasons while they were heading for regional auditions. The case was filed in Los Angeles County on Friday. Abdul claims she and Lythgoe were in an elevator at their hotel when he slammed her against the wall, grabbed her breasts and genitals, and tried to tongue-kiss her.
When the elevator doors opened, Abdul said she tried pushing him away and went to her room. She claimed she called one of her representatives to alert them of the alleged assault, but she was afraid she would be fired in retaliation, so she remained quiet about it. The second claimed assault happened in 2015 after she accepted a new deal to become a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Lythgoe called Abdul to his house to explore career opportunities during one of her two seasons on the show, and she accepted his invitation since she felt it was a business situation.
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She said the evening resulted in Lythgoe forcing himself on top of her while she sat on a couch and tried to kiss her. The lawsuit documents state the executive producer told her they would make “an excellent power couple,” Abdul pushed him off and then explained she wasn’t interested before immediately leaving Lythgoe’s home.
There was another incident where Abdul witnessed Lythgoe allegedly grope one of her assistants during her time on “SYTYCD” in 2015. Abdul noted Lythgoe allegedly taunted her when he called her and said it had been “seven years, and the statute of limitations had run.” She also alleges that she is the victim of harassment and discrimination during her time as a judge.
Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment, and FremantleMedia North are being sued for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence.
