Singer and choreographer Paula Abdul has sued executive producer Nigel Lythgoe for sexual harassment. According to documents obtained by TMZ, the former “American Idol” judge alleged that Lythgoe sexually harassed her twice: once during the first season of the musical reality show, which premiered in 2002, and again during her tenure on “So.” You Think.” You can dance.” She also accused him of sexually abusing her assistant.
According to the vehicle, Paula claims in her statement that Lythgoe pushed her against the wall of an elevator. He then groped her breasts and genitals and tried to forcibly kiss her. “Abdul attempted to pull Lythgoe away from her and tell him that his behavior was unacceptable,” the document continues.
She says she returned to her hotel room as soon as she managed to escape the elevator. The choreographer then reportedly called her agents to report the incident, but decided not to make the situation public for fear of being fired from the talent competition.
The second case occurred years later, in 2015, when Abdul was a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Paula was invited to a dinner at Lythgoe's house and went there “believing it was a professional invitation”. However, Nigel is said to have “sat on Abdul while she sat on his sofa”.
The producer then allegedly “attempted to kiss her while proclaiming that the two would make an excellent 'power couple,'” the lawsuit says. Abdul says he “pushed Lythgoe away from her and stated that she was not interested in his advances” and then left his home. Before he left, the producer had provoked Paula, saying he “couldn’t be legally punished” for the harassment.
A third episode recounted by Paula is also included in the lawsuit. The singer said she witnessed an alleged attack by Lythgoe on her assistant. The harassment allegedly occurred in April 2015. “One night, Lythgoe approached Abdul and April [a assistente] He pressed himself against April from behind and began to fondle her. April did not consent,” the documentary states.
Paula Abdul was a judge on the reality show “American Idol” from 2002 to 2009. (Photo: Reproduction/ABC)
In addition to the lawsuit against the executive, Paula also filed a lawsuit against the companies that produced the programs. Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment Inc., FremantleMedia North America Inc., American Idol Productions Inc. and Dance Nation Productions Inc. are named in the lawsuit.
In the allegations, she says she was a victim of sexual assault and harassment, genderbased violence and neglect. “[Fui] “She is being discriminated against in terms of pay and benefits compared to one of the judges and the show’s host and is the target of constant insults, intimidation, humiliation and harassment,” she said. Paula worked on the reality show “American Idol” between 2002 and 2009.
The lawsuit was filed under the United States Sexual Assault and CoverUp Liability Act, which allows civil sexual assault lawsuits to be brought even after the statute of limitations has expired. So far, neither the artist nor the defendants have publicly commented on the allegations.