Paula Abdul has sued American Idol executive producer and her former “So You Think You Can Dance” co-judge Nigel Lythgoe over alleged sexual assault in a lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles.
In documents obtained by The Blast, the 61-year-old Opposites Attract singer claimed that the 74-year-old TV personality sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion and also “verbally isolated and belittled” her.
has reached out to Paula's representatives for comment.
The star explained that in 2001, she was asked by FOX to appear as a judge on an American version of the singing competition series called Pop Idol, which Lythgoe also helped produce.
Because she was “intrigued” by the show, she attended a meeting with the show's executives and producers. She then claimed she was “verbally insulted and belittled.” [Nigel] Lythgoe.'
Abdul explained that he told her: “She was a celebrity and probably wouldn't be known to the contestants on the show” – although others believed “she was exactly what they were looking for”.
Paula Abdul, 61, is suing American Idol executive producer and her former “So You Think You Can Dance” co-judge Nigel Lythgoe, 74, for alleged sexual assault in a lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles; Spotted in NYC earlier this month
Paula had “significant concerns about appearing on the show and informed her representatives of such concerns,” but both she and her team hoped the incident was just a “one-off” incident.
In the documents, the Straight Up singer claimed that the first sexual assault occurred during one of the first seasons of American Idol while she was traveling to regional auditions.
“One evening, after the day’s audition, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying.”
“As Lythgoe entered the elevator, he pushed Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts and began shoving his tongue down her throat.”
The lawsuit alleges Abdul “tried to push Nigel away” and she rushed to her room as the elevator doors opened. She immediately contacted her representatives to inform them of the incident.
The second alleged incident occurred during a dinner at Lythgoe's home after she signed a contract to appear as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2015, according to TMZ.
Assuming the dinner was on a professional basis, Paula attended the dinner. However, she claimed that Lythgoe once tried to sit on her while they were both sitting on a couch.
She also stated in the documents that he also tried to kiss her while telling her that they would make an “excellent power couple.”
In the documents, the Straight Up singer claimed that the first sexual assault occurred during one of the first seasons of American Idol while she was traveling to regional auditions; Paula and Nigel were spotted in Beverly Hills in 2016
The lawsuit alleges Abdul “tried to push Nigel away” and she rushed to her room as the elevator doors opened. She immediately contacted her representatives to inform them of the incident; Paula was seen with Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Lythgoe in 2005
The lawsuit alleges Abdul “rejected him by stating she was not interested in his advances and left immediately.”
However, fearing “possible repercussions on her career,” the dancer decided to keep quiet about the incident.
In the documents, Paula also claimed that she observed Nigel sexually abusing one of her assistants.
According to TMZ, the singer also claimed that Lythgoe once called her to say that they should celebrate because “seven years had passed and the statute of limitations had expired.”
The star is not only suing Nigel, but also 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media North America.
According to The Blast, the lawsuit also states: “Throughout her tenure on American Idol, Abdul was not only discriminated against in terms of compensation and benefits compared to one of the show's male judges and hosts (which amounted to almost a penny on the dollar). their male colleagues did)…'
“But she was the target of constant taunts, bullying, humiliation and harassment by Lythgoe and other executives, agents, employees and/or representatives of the show’s producers, 19 Entertainment and Fremantle.”
Notably, Paula was one of the original judges on American Idol from 2002 to 2009. Nigel was one of the executive producers of the hit show.
The second alleged incident occurred during a dinner at Lythgoe's home after she signed a contract to appear as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2015, according to TMZ. seen in LA in 2013
Assuming the dinner was on a professional basis, Paula attended the dinner. However, she claimed that Lythgoe once tried to sit on her while they were both sitting on a couch; seen in LA in 2013
She later became a judge on the American version of So You Think You Can Dance alongside Lythgoe in the show's 12th season, but left just before the 14th season to concentrate on her tour.
According to TMZ, Paula made the decision to finally file the lawsuit because of California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act.
The law, which was officially passed earlier this year, establishes a “three-year deadline for survivors of sexual assault to file a lawsuit and seek compensation as a result of crimes committed on or after January 1, 2009,” according to California Public. Labor and Employment Agency.
“Beginning January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026, sexual assault and abuse lawsuits that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations will be revived and may be formally filed in civil court…”
She later became a judge on the American version of So You Think You Can Dance alongside Lythgoe in the show's 12th season, but left just before the 14th season to concentrate on her tour. Seen in 2015 with Judge Jason Derulo and Lythgoe
According to TMZ, Paula made the decision to finally file the lawsuit because of California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act; Spotted in LA earlier this month
Paula's successful career began as a choreographer when she was discovered by the Jacksons.
She later released her debut studio album “Forever Your Girl” in 1988, which established her success in the music industry.
Abdul was married to Emilio Estevez from 1992 until their divorce in 1994. She later married Brad Beckerman in 1996 until the couple divorced in 1998.
Nigel, who was born in England, began performing at a young age before finding success in the television industry. He was married to Bonita Shawe from 1974 until their divorce in 2010 and the former couple have two children together.