Paula Abdul, the former judge of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, the producer of both shows, accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. According to the lawsuit, Lythgoe allegedly assaulted Abdul multiple times during the production of the shows, and also verbally insulted and belittled her. Abdul claims that she suffered emotional distress, anxiety, and depression as a result of Lythgoe’s actions.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, December 29, 2023, seeks unspecified damages for battery, sexual battery, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. Abdul also alleges that Lythgoe breached his fiduciary duty to her as a producer and co-judge, and violated her privacy and publicity rights.
Paula Abdul’s Shocking Allegations: How She Was Sexually Assaulted by Nigel Lythgoe
Abdul, 61, and Lythgoe, 74, have a long history of working together in the reality TV industry. They first met in 2002, when Lythgoe hired Abdul as a judge for American Idol, the singing competition show that he co-created and executive produced. Abdul was a popular and controversial figure on the show, often clashing with fellow judge Simon Cowell and displaying erratic behavior. She left the show in 2009, after eight seasons, reportedly due to a contract dispute.
In 2011, Lythgoe invited Abdul to join him as a co-judge and executive producer for So You Think You Can Dance, the dance competition show that he created and hosted. Abdul appeared as a guest judge in several seasons, and became a regular judge in 2013. She left the show in 2016, after three seasons, citing personal reasons.
According to the lawsuit, Lythgoe began sexually assaulting Abdul in 2003, during the second season of American Idol. Abdul claims that Lythgoe groped her breasts and buttocks, kissed her without consent, and made lewd comments about her body and appearance. She also claims that Lythgoe threatened to fire her or ruin her career if she resisted or reported him. Abdul says that she was afraid of Lythgoe, and felt powerless and humiliated by his actions.
The lawsuit also alleges that Lythgoe continued to assault Abdul during the production of So You Think You Can Dance, and that he created a hostile and abusive work environment for her. Abdul claims that Lythgoe mocked her intelligence, talent, and mental health, and that he isolated her from other staff and judges. Abdul says that she suffered from panic attacks, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts because of Lythgoe’s behavior.
Abdul’s lawsuit comes amid a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men in the entertainment industry, sparked by the #MeToo movement. Abdul says that she decided to come forward with her story after seeing other survivors speak out, and that she hopes to inspire other victims to seek justice and healing.
Lythgoe has not yet responded to the lawsuit, or the allegations made by Abdul. He is currently working on a new reality TV show, called The Search, which is set to premiere on NBC in 2024.
