Paula Abdul Accuses Nigel Lythgoe of Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence
Television star Paula Abdul has filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against American Idol executive producer and So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe, accusing him of sexual assault and gender-based violence. Lythgoe has denied the allegations.
Long-Term Harassment
The lawsuit, filed by Abdul’s legal representation, describes long-term harassment of the Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning singer, dancer, and actor by executives and others involved in the production of American Idol. The complaint alleges that Abdul was the target of constant taunts, bullying, humiliation, and harassment.
Direct Physical Attacks
The focus of the lawsuit is a pair of direct physical attacks that Abdul allegedly experienced at the hands of Lythgoe. The first incident occurred during Abdul’s tenure as a host on American Idol in the early 2000s. The complaint states that Lythgoe groped and kissed Abdul in a hotel elevator, causing her to run out in tears and inform her representative. However, she decided not to take action for fear of being fired.
The second alleged instance of sexual assault occurred in 2015, after Abdul agreed to be a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe allegedly assaulted her again during a dinner. Abdul feared retaliation if she spoke out about the incident.
Denial and Response
Lythgoe has expressed shock and sadness over the allegations, stating that he and Abdul have been platonic friends and colleagues for more than two decades. He vows to fight the “appalling smear” with everything he has.
Legal Constraints and Accusations
Abdul’s lawsuit explains that she did not come forward with the allegations earlier due to fear of speaking out against a well-known producer who could harm her career. She had signed contracts that prohibited her from publicly discussing details about the shows and the people involved.
In addition to Lythgoe, the complaint also accuses other entities involved in American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance of being aware of Lythgoe’s behavior and doing nothing about it.
High-Profile Lawsuits
Abdul’s allegations are part of a series of high-profile lawsuits filed in California ahead of the expiration of the state’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. Similar laws in other states have also led to an increase in sexual assault cases being brought against celebrities.
These laws provide survivors with the opportunity to come forward and seek justice, recognizing that the recovery journey is not linear and can be bound by numbers and dates.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit their website at RAINN.org.